Many ski accidents are collisions, and most collisions happen because people don't know the basic rules. Resorts around the world follow very similar principles, often called the skier responsibility code. Reading it takes two minutes, and following it protects both you and everyone around you. Every beginner should read it carefully before their first run.
The 10 rules
- Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid others
- People below you have the right of way โ it's your job to avoid them
- Don't stop in the middle of a run, below a crest or anywhere you can't be seen
- Look uphill before starting or merging onto a run
- After a fall, move to the side of the run quickly
- Read the trail markers and don't ski runs beyond your level
- Use ski brakes or a leash to prevent runaway equipment
- Wear a helmet at all times
- If there's an accident, stay at the scene and help get assistance
- Rest when you're tired โ many injuries happen on the โlast runโ
Why these rules matter
The skier below you can't see you coming, which is why the uphill person is always responsible for avoiding a collision. Stopping below a crest or in a narrow section is dangerous for the same reason: people coming over the top have no time to react. Most serious beginner injuries happen not from falling alone, but from being hit by โ or hitting โ someone else, so these few habits remove most of the risk.
Understanding run colors
| Level | China / Europe | North America / Japan (common) |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Green | Green circle |
| Intermediate | Blue / Red | Blue square |
| Advanced | Black | Black diamond |
Colors describe difficulty relative to other runs at the same resort, not a universal standard. A blue run at one resort may feel like a red at another, and conditions such as ice, fresh snow or poor visibility can make any run harder. Try the easiest run first when you visit a new resort.
Lift safety
- Watch how others get on before your turn, and ask the lift attendant if you're unsure
- Remove backpacks before sitting down on a chairlift, and keep loose straps away from the chair
- Lower the safety bar once everyone is seated, and raise it only when you approach the unloading area
- Never jump off a lift; if you miss the unloading point, stay seated and follow the attendant's instructions
- On drag lifts, keep your skis in the track and don't sit down on the bar
Weather, altitude and your body
- Flat light and fog hide bumps and drops โ slow down and stay near trees or markers
- Wind makes it feel much colder; cover your face and check skin for white patches, an early sign of frostbite
- UV is strong in the mountains, so wear goggles and sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Drink water and eat regularly; dehydration and low energy make you clumsy
- Warm up with a few easy runs instead of starting on the hardest slope
If an accident happens
- Protect the injured person by crossing two skis or placing equipment upright in the snow above them, so others can see the scene
- Check whether they can talk and move; don't move someone with a suspected neck or back injury
- Call ski patrol using the emergency number on your lift ticket or trail map, or ask a lift attendant
- Keep the person warm and stay with them until help arrives
- If you were involved, exchange contact details and give your information to ski patrol
Helmets: fit and replacement
A helmet only protects you if it fits. It should sit level on your head, cover your forehead down to just above the goggles, and not move when you shake your head with the chin strap fastened. You should be able to fit about one finger between the strap and your chin.
- Replace a helmet after any significant impact, even if you can't see damage
- Replace older helmets as recommended by the manufacturer, since materials age
- Don't wear a thick hat underneath โ it changes the fit; use a thin liner if needed
- Make sure your goggles fit the helmet without a gap or pressure on your nose
Off-piste and closed areas
Closed runs and areas outside the marked boundaries are not patrolled in the same way and may have avalanche risk, cliffs or hidden obstacles. Beginners should always stay on marked, open runs. Exploring off-piste safely requires avalanche training, proper equipment and usually a qualified guide.