International FIS rules
The winter is here and drawing lots of snow lovers and winter sports enthusiasts to the ski slopes. To ensure smooth interaction between the various disciplines and levels of proficiency on the slopes, the FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) has drawn up some rules. These help to ensure safety, fun and fairness on the slopes regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier.
The international FIS rules drawn up by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation are the basic guidelines for skiing and winter sports competitions. These rules not only set out the procedure for competitions but also govern the safety of athletes, fairness in competition and the standards for the staging of events. In addition, they contain a large number of important guidelines for personal skiing and the recreational pleasure of skiers and snowboarders.
To whom do the FIS rules apply?
The FIS rules apply to all users of slopes and means of transport at ski resorts regardless of the different disciplines (alpine, Nordic, freestyle, snowboarding, sledging, tobogganing, skeleton etc.). There are one or two exceptions, such as winter hikers and snowshoe trekkers who are not normally subject to the FIS rules, and those skiing away from the marked slopes.
Which areas are governed by the FIS rules?
The FIS rules govern the following areas:
| Safety |
| A core element of the FIS rules comprises safety on the slopes. They recommend all winter athletes to be aware of the risks associated with using the ski slopes. This includes wearing protective helmets, particularly for children and beginners, in order to minimise the risk of head injuries. In addition, the rules contain recommendations for correct behaviour on the slopes such as maintaining the correct distance from other users and adjusting one’s speed to the prevailing conditions. |
| Marking and preparation of slopes |
| The FIS rules also set out how slopes are to be marked and prepared. These standards are designed to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all skiers. The slopes are subdivided into different levels of difficulty – from easy to challenging – thereby helping recreational skiers to find suitable trails that match their abilities. The clear marking of slopes also minimises the risk of collisions and accidents. |
| Behaviour on the slopes |
| Another important aspect of the FIS rules is the promotion of responsible behaviour on the slopes. This requires all slope users to show consideration to each other and to comply with the FIS Code of Conduct that sets out how to behave correctly as an athlete. This includes avoiding abrupt changes of direction, waiting for other skiers in safe areas and identifying and avoiding dangers in good time. SUVA has published a poster on its website that explains the ten FIS rules in a clear manner: Link |
| Use of lifts and other means of transport |
| The FIS rules also contain recommendations for the use of lifts and other means of transport at ski resorts. These guidelines aim to enhance the transport of skiers and at the same time ensure that all passengers observe the applicable safety precautions. |
| Environmental protection |
| In addition, the FIS rules help to raise awareness of environmental protection at ski resorts. The rules underline the importance of preserving natural resources and minimising the environmental impacts of skiing. This includes skiers behaving respectfully towards nature and not leaving behind any litter. |
As long as every user of the slopes abides by the FIS rules, accidents should generally be avoidable. Nevertheless, just a slight lapse of attention is often all it takes for a collision to occur that frequently entails serious and long-drawn-out consequences.
Unlike, for example, road traffic accidents where essentially the law of the country in which the accident occurs is decisive for settling the issue of liability, the FIS rules apply exclusively throughout the world for settling the issue of liability in the case of accidents on ski slopes. The amount of the claim is then determined by the law of the country of residence of the beneficiary.
All in all, the international FIS rules are a valuable source of guidance for all recreational skiers. They not only promote safety and respectful interaction on the slopes but also help to ensure that skiing and snowboarding remains a positive and sustainable experience for all those concerned. By abiding by these rules, recreational skiers help to create a friendly and safe atmosphere at ski resorts.
For more details, visit the FIS website.
Sources:
https://www.fis-ski.com/inside-fis/general-fis-documents/general-regulations
https://www.suva.ch/fr-ch/download/outils-et-test/observer-les-regles-de-la-fis-sur-les-pistes—la-securite-au-rendez-vous—affiche/standard-variante
Published on 26.11.2024