The skier's decalogue
From the 50s onwards, the practice of skiing has had an extraordinary development throughout the Alps, becoming to all intents and purposes a mass sport. For this reason, it is important to follow and comply with some rules of common prudence.
The "Skier's Decalogue", approved in Beirut in 1967 by the International Ski Federation, represents the most complete and organic regulation of skier behavior.
- Respect for others:
Every skier must behave in such a way as not to endanger other people or cause damage. - Mastery of speed and behavior:
Each skier must maintain a speed and behavior appropriate to his or her ability as well as to the general conditions of the slope, the clear view, the weather and the intensity of traffic. - Choice of direction:
The upstream skier who has the option of choosing the route must keep a direction that avoids the danger of collision with the downstream skier. - Overtaking:
Overtaking can be done (with sufficient space and visibility), both upstream and downstream, on the right or on the left, but always at a distance that avoids hindrance to the overtaken skier. - Entry and crossing:
The skier who enters a slope or who starts again after a stop, must make sure that he can do so without danger to himself or others; at intersections, he must give way to those coming from the right or according to the indication. - Stop:
The skier must avoid stopping, except in case of necessity, in obligatory passages or without visibility. The stop must take place at the edge of the track. In the event of a fall, the skier must clear the slope as soon as possible. - Climb:
In case of urgent need, the skier who goes up the slope, or descends it on foot, must proceed only at the edges of the same. - Compliance with signs:
All skiers must respect the signs provided for the ski slopes and in particular the obligation to wear a helmet for children under 14 years of age. - Help:
Everyone must provide assistance in the event of an accident. - Identification:
Anyone involved in an accident or witnesses it is required to give their personal details.
THE SIGNAGE
The decree also introduces the obligation for the managers of skiable areas to affix compliant signage, without prejudice to the competences of the regions with special statutes and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano.
The signs are partly similar to road signs: for example, the one indicating a bottleneck, or the exclamation mark warning of a generic danger, or the intersection, or the dangerous curve to the right or left, or the slope. Then there is also the danger sign - triangular in shape - the one that warns against falls (depicted by a little man falling from an escarpment) or the presence of a crevasse, a bump or a ditch, or that invites you to pay attention to snowmobiles.
On the other hand, there are seven information signs - square-shaped - to indicate the first aid post, the emergency call post, the cross-country track for classic technique and that for free technique, the snowboard slope, the ski center or a winter trail.
There are 3 mandatory signs: to follow a certain direction, to use a snowboard or a protective helmet for children under 14 years of age. Then there are the prohibition signs: there are 7, from walking on the ski slope to using the sled, skibob or snowboard, access, skiing in the woods or skiing tout court.
And to warn unwary skiers who venture where they shouldn't, a rectangular sign, with an open hand and the words "Stop. Avalanche danger" in four languages (Italian, German, French and English).
A few other small suggestions...
For snow boarders
Always check the space left and right before changing direction as the view is limited.
Always secure your foot to the board with a strap.
When ascending with the lifts, unhook your foot from the binding, leaving it free on the board.
For off-piste skiers
Always carry the Arva with you, an electronic device that allows you to be tracked in the event of an avalanche.
Never go alone, it is advisable to go in a group of 4/5 people.
Always communicate the destination and timing of the excursion to others.
Be accompanied by a guide who knows the places well.
