Lawyers Enforcing the Rules of the Slopes
While deaths on the slopes are rare, ski collisions and other injuries are common. In fact, researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital have estimated that over 600,000 people per year are injured while skiing and snowboarding.
Thus, in addition to each state’s unique ski laws, the National Ski Area Association and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) have issued safety rules. These rules must always be observed by skiers and boarders on the slopes.
Your Responsibility Code (2022)
Your Responsibility Code is the universal code of the slopes endorsed by virtually all ski areas in the United States. In fact, most ski resorts post the Code on their websites and around their premises.
The Code is based on courtesy and common sense and designed to protect you and others from serious injury. That’s why skiers and boarders everywhere are encouraged to know and obey the Code. It’s your responsibility.
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
FIS Code of Conduct for Skiers and Snowboarders
To help skiers and snowboarders stay safe on the slopes, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has issued its own rules of the road. Follow them and you will avoid a serious injury—to yourself and others.
Rule 1: Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he or she does not endanger or prejudice others.
Rule 2: Control of speed when skiing or snowboarding
A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He or she must adapt their speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to their personal ability and to the prevailing terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
Rule 3: Choice of route
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose their route in such a way that they do not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
Rule 4: Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that they leave enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
Rule 5: Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slope so that they do not endanger themselves or others.
Rule 6: Stopping on the ski run
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the ski run, in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the ski run as soon as possible.
Rule 7: Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the ski run.
Rule 8: Respect for signs and markings
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.
Rule 9: Assistance
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
Rule 10: Identification
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident
What to Do Should an Accident Occur
If you are injured in a ski or snowboard accident, or witness an accident where an injury has occurred, do these four things immediately:
- Stop and help.
- Protect the injured skier with crossed skis or a planted snowboard above the injured person. If appropriate, go higher up the slope to warn other skiers and boarders.
- Determine if first aid is needed. Evaluate the general condition of the injured skier. Check airways and breathing, cover any wound, and apply firm pressure to it. Keep the injured party warm. But do not give him or her anything to eat or drink.
- Alert the ski patrol about the accident location, the number of people injured, and the nature and extent of the injuries.
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Following these rules will significantly reduce the probability that you and others will be injured while skiing or snowboarding. But if you are injured or lost a loved one on the slopes due to the negligence of a ski resort or another skier or boarder, contact us. We’re here to fight for you and obtain all the compensation you deserve.