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The International Ski Federation (FIS) has published ten very important rules, which are internationally recognised, in order to ensure safety while skiing.

1 Respect for others - a skier must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others.

2 Control of Speed Skiing - a skier must be in control. He must adopt his speed and manner of skiing to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather, as well as to the density of traffic.

3 Choice of Route - a skier coming from behind must chose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers ahead. The skier or snowboarder in front has priority.

4 Overtaking - A skier may overtake another skier above or below and to the right or to the left, provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.

5 Entering and Starting - a skier entering a marked run or starting again after stopping must look up and down the piste or trail in narrow places or where the visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier must move clear of the piste or trail as soon as possible.

6 Stopping on the Piste or Trail - Unless absolutely necessary, a skier must avoid stopping on the piste or trail in narrow places, or where visibility is restricted.

7 Climbing and Descending on Foot - Skiers climbing and descending on foot must keep to the side of the piste or trail.

8 Respect for Signs and Markings - a skier must obey all signs and markings - they are there for your safety.

9 Assistance - in case of accidents, provide help and alert the rescue service.

10 Identification - every skier and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

All the above rules are binding by law and apply to both skiers and snowboarders alike. You should also be aware that the penalties for breaking the laws in different countries can vary considerably - lift pass confiscation to imprisonment and a heavy fine to name the extremes.

Be aware, as mentioned above, that in certain countries some of the rules below are also enforceable by law, and that in the event of a accident the costs for rescuing an injured skier can be considerable.

1 If you don’t know the area, book a local ski instructor or guide to accompany you.

2 Check weather reports with the local tourist office or local piste or trail security officials before going off-piste to ensure the area you are going to is safe.

3 Don’t ski off-piste on your own.

4 Don’t assume you are safe by following tracks or skiers in front of you, as they may not know the area either.

5 When skiing off-piste be aware of the risks of skiing in an unmarked, unpatrolled area and make sure you let someone know where you are going. (Arrange a rendezvous afterwards to let them know you are back safely.)

6 Make sure your insurance policy covers you for off-piste skiing.

7 Consider hiring or buying a good up-to-date avalanche bleeper

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