Helmet & Protection

A certified helmet is non-negotiable. Back protectors and wrist guards significantly reduce injury severity in both skiing and snowboarding falls.

• CE EN 1077 certified ski/snowboard helmet
• Back protector (CE EN 1621-2)
• Wrist guards for snowboarders
• Impact shorts for park riding

Avalanche Safety Kit

The three essentials that must always be on you when venturing off-piste. Carry them, know how to use them, practice regularly.

• Avalanche transceiver (beacon) — batteries checked
• Probe — minimum 240cm length
• Shovel — metal blade, not plastic
• Avalanche airbag pack (recommended)

The 10 FIS Rules of Conduct

The International Ski Federation’s rules are the “highway code” of the mountain. Know them, follow them.

• Respect others — don’t endanger anyone by your behaviour
• Control speed — adapt to terrain, weather, and traffic
• Choose your route — uphill skier has right of way
• Overtaking — leave enough space on all sides
• Stop only at the edge, never below a blind spot
• Assist in accidents and provide identification

Reading Piste Markers & Signs

Understand the color grading system (green → blue → red → black), trail boundary markers, and closed-run signage before your first ride.

Avalanche Awareness

Understanding avalanche terrain, snowpack instability, and the European Avalanche Danger Scale (1–5) is critical before going off-piste.

• Check the daily avalanche bulletin before every outing
• Learn to identify avalanche terrain (slope angle 30–45°)
• Understand weak layers, wind slab, and persistent slab
• Never ride alone in uncontrolled terrain

Companion Rescue

In an avalanche burial, survival drops to 50% after 15 minutes. Your group is the first response. Practice the search-probe-dig sequence until it’s muscle memory.

• Switch transceiver to search mode immediately
• Coarse search → fine search → pinpoint
• Probe in a spiral pattern around the signal
• Dig from downhill side, clear the airway first

Whiteout & Flat Light

Flat light eliminates depth perception — bumps and drops become invisible. Slow down, follow markers, and use high-contrast goggle lenses (yellow, rose, or orange).

Hypothermia & Frostbite

Recognise early signs: uncontrollable shivering, confusion, white/numb skin patches. Layering, dry gloves, and knowing when to go inside save lives.

• Layer system: base (moisture-wicking), mid (insulation), shell (wind/waterproof)
• Carry spare dry gloves and a neck gaiter
• Take warming breaks every 90–120 minutes in extreme cold
• Wind chill at speed is severe — cover all exposed skin

What to Do in an Accident

Secure the scene, assess the injured person, and call patrol. Place crossed skis/board uphill as a warning signal. Do not remove helmets unless airway is blocked.

• Secure the site — crossed skis 10m uphill
• Check consciousness, breathing, and pulse
• Do not move a spine injury — stabilise and keep warm
• Call ski patrol or emergency services (112 in Europe)

Knee, Wrist & Head Injuries

ACL tears (skiing), wrist fractures (snowboarding), and concussions are the most common mountain injuries. Know the signs and when to stop riding.

• Knee: swelling, instability, pop sound = stop immediately
• Wrist: pain on impact, inability to grip = possible fracture
• Head: dizziness, nausea, confusion after impact = concussion protocol
• When in doubt, go to the medical centre