How to Practice Skiing Etiquette

Refresh your memory with these guidelines, which can make your ski rides down the slopes even better.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ski Sharpening Tools
• Ski Hats
• Ski Socks
• Ski Tuning Manuals
• Ski Lift Tickets
• Boot Bags
• Ski Bags
• Ski Boots
• Ski Clothing
• Ski Gloves
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Jackets
• Ski Pants
• Ski Poles
• Ski Storage Wax
• Ski Tuning Tools
• Ski Waxing Tools
• Skis

1. Find out the day's ski conditions. Consult daily reports and familiarize yourself with variables such as temperature, wind and snow grooming conditions.

2. Learn trail markings that designate beginner, intermediate, expert and closed trails.

3. Get in the proper line, board, and dismount ski lifts properly. (see "How to Get on a Ski Lift" and "How to Get off a Ski Lift.")

4. Ski on trails that correspond to your skill level. Don't attempt a run that is too difficult and risk injuring yourself; conversely, don't zip by novice skiers on beginner slopes and risk injuring others.

5. Know that the skier in front of you always has the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid him or her.

6. Cross a trail only if it's absolutely necessary and only when it's safe to do so. Make sure you're completely visible to any skiers higher up on the slope.

7. Stay with an injured person until ski patrol arrives. It is your responsibility if you caused the accident.

8. Establish times to meet family and friends for lunch and departure in advance. Stick to them so you don't keep people waiting.

Tips & Warnings

• Respect others' rights on the slopes, just as you expect them to respect yours.
• Take a break if you're tired. A majority of skiing injuries occur on that last run.
• Skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. Seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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on 3/23/2006 If you're a beginner it's understandable that you have to carve more than those who are more experienced. But don't carve from one side of the run to the other. If you're carving all the way from one side of the run to the other, then you probably belong on the bunny slopes, at max the greens. You have a right to go slow, just as I have a right to go fast, and carving from one side to the other hinders that.

on 2/8/2006 Snowboarders need to carve in order to slow down, or regain control. Be aware of this when skiing next to them, or just behind them. Give them space to maneuver, they have a right to the white stuff as well as you!

on 11/22/2005 Don't dive into a crowded lift, there will be another after that one. Watch what you are doing with your poles and your skis! There is nothing more angering than having someone barge in front of you, stand on your board (thus trapping you), and then scraping a pole all the way down your brand new ride.