Safety on the ski slopes is essential to prevent accidents and ensure that everyone can have fun. The rules of conduct vary slightly between the different regions, but in Italy there are specific laws that regulate safety on the ski slopes. These laws are supplemented by international guidelines, such as the Decalogue of the skier of the FIS (International Ski Federation), which establishes general rules of conduct, based on common sense and respect for others.
The most important topics are collected and listed here. A quick read could be useful, also taking into account that checks are carried out and the consequences of behaviors unsuitable for the safe practice of skiing could lead to rather high sanctions.
1. Helmet obligation
One of the most important rules is the obligation to wear a helmet for minors under 18 years of age. Law 8 March 2021, n. 40 requires the use of protective helmets for children and adolescents on ski slopes. This obligation applies not only to alpine skiers, but also to snowboarders, sleders and other similar sports.
Penalty : In case of violation of this rule, an administrative penalty is foreseen which can vary from 100 to 150 euros.
2. Insurance obligation
From 1 January 2022, according to Law 40/2021 , it is mandatory for all skiers to take out insurance that covers civil liability for damage or injuries caused to third parties. This rule was introduced to avoid situations in which skiers are unable to compensate for damage caused to third parties in the event of accidents.
Ski resorts may include insurance in the cost of the ticket or season ticket and the service will be guaranteed and provided by the insurance company selected by the company that manages the ski lifts.
Penalty : Anyone found on the slopes without insurance risks a fine of between 100 and 150 euros and the withdrawal of the ski pass.
3. Priority and behavior at intersections
One of the fundamental principles of safety on the slopes is to give priority to skiers further down. Those in a higher position must adapt their speed and trajectory to avoid collisions with skiers in front.
Rules of conduct:
Adjust your speed according to weather conditions, the number of skiers and your technical abilities.
Reduce speed on crowded roads, near ski lifts or in poor visibility.
It is forbidden to stop in narrow passages or in places with poor visibility. If you need to stop, you must position yourself to the side of the slope, making sure not to hinder the passage of other skiers.
4. Skiing while drunk or under the influence of drugs
Be careful about the stops in the refuge and drinking beers and grappas. And for those who take drugs and still want to ski ... there are no words.
Fines can reach up to 1,000 euros in case of violation with immediate withdrawal of the ticket/season ticket
Incident reporting
In the event of an accident, it is mandatory to stop and provide assistance. Law 363/2003 establishes that anyone who witnesses or is involved in an accident must provide assistance and notify rescuers. This may include reporting the accident to ski rescue operators or facility managers.
Behaviour in the event of an accident:
Stop immediately and provide assistance if possible.
Report the location of the accident to the track staff.
Wait for rescuers to arrive in a safe place
5. Speed limits and behavior in specific areas
Ski resorts may designate areas with controlled speed or reserved for less experienced skiers. These areas must be respected by all, and dangerous or reckless skiing is prohibited.
Practical advice:
Always follow the signs on the slopes, which indicate recommended speeds, prohibitions and routes suitable for your level.
When approaching intersections or in crowded areas, reduce your speed.
Do not trespass on closed trails, as these may be dangerous or inadequately maintained.
6. Overtaking rules
Overtaking must be done in such a way as to avoid any collision. It is possible to overtake from the right or left, but a sufficient safety distance must always be maintained to allow the overtaken person to move freely.
Key points:
Maintain a safe distance when passing another skier.
Make sure that the overtaking can be completed without endangering the skier being overtaken.
7. Checking skis and equipment
Before accessing the slope, you must ensure that your equipment is in optimal condition. Law 363/2003 also includes the obligation for skiers to have adequate and properly maintained equipment, to avoid accidents due to malfunctions.
What to check:
Skis and bindings must be regularly checked and adjusted.
Boots and poles must be in good condition and suitable for your technical level.
8. Ski lifts: rules of conduct
When using ski lifts (such as chairlifts, cable cars and ski lifts), you must follow the instructions of the personnel in charge and use the facilities in a safe manner.
Rules for using the facilities:
Do not jump from chairlifts or moving equipment.
Follow the instructions for entering and exiting the facilities.
9. Prudence and awareness of one's own limits
We often see "skiers" literally petrified in front of a slope or a difficulty that they cannot solve with skis on their feet. This serious underestimation has nothing comical about it but creates extreme stress and danger for the person in difficulty and for the skiers who come up behind them.
Stay on the slopes that you can safely tackle. When your technical ability allows it, you can access more difficult slopes.
Here is the signage you will find in the Civetta ski Resort and the difficulty levels of the slopes and their identifying colours:
GREEN COLOR: Identifies slopes with a gradient of less than 5%, generally corresponding to beginner areas. The difficulty level is low and they are suitable for beginners.
BLUE COLOR: This color identifies slopes with a gradient between 6% and 25%. They are also called blue slopes and their difficulty level is considered low. Advanced beginners can tackle them, but it should be noted that compared to “green” slopes, they are much longer.
RED COLOR: Distinguishes slopes with significant sections having a gradient between 26% and 40%. These are medium difficulty slopes suitable for fairly experienced skiers.
BLACK COLOR: This color marks slopes with significant sections having a gradient of more than 40%. The difficulty level is high and they are specific terrains for very experienced skiers. For slopes with a gradient over 55%, the signage usually also indicates “slope for expert skiers.”
TAKE NOTE THAT:
Article 28 of Legislative Decree number 40/2021, which came into force on 1 January 2022, and entitled "Contributory Liability" states:
“In the event of a collision between skiers, it is presumed, until proven otherwise, that each of them contributed equally to causing any damage that may have occurred.”
Many accidents on the slopes - which cause injuries and traumas that can be serious and life changing - caused mostly by carelessness and failure to comply with the rules - are often considered to be 50% contributory negligence , since it is difficult to identify the person responsible.
Unlike road accidents, where elements such as skid marks or damage to vehicles help reconstruct the dynamics, on ski slopes there is a lack of clear indications to attribute blame to a specific skier.
The only exception is when one of the two skiers manages to demonstrate that the collision is entirely the other's fault.
Unfortunately, if an out-of-court settlement is not reached, you will have to prove it in court...
Conclusion
Writing about these topics might appear to be a pure exercise in pedantry.
With 23 years of experience at the Hotel Ca' del Bosco in Selva di Cadore - located at the foot of the Civetta ski area - we can unfortunately testify that accidents, even serious ones, on and off the slopes do happen and do not tend to decrease at all over the years.
While tibia and fibula fractures were once common due to rather primitive boots and bindings, injuries are now even more serious due to the high speeds that the ski/binding/boot combination can make, even the least experienced skier, develop.
To ensure safe skiing it is essential to respect the rules of conduct on the slopes wear appropriate equipment, know your limits and have respect for others.
Awareness and respect for other skiers are the best tools to avoid accidents and enjoy the mountains in complete safety.
Have a great skiing here at Civetta Ski Resort and don't forget to give a look at our Hotel Website !
MDC
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