School Ski Trips to France: Safety on the Slopes

1. Speed control

Everyone on the slope must stay in control of their speed, and be able to adapt if the terrain, weather or number of people around changes. It also means people must stick to their personal skills and abilities. This means not testing more advanced slopes just because other classmates can, if an individual is only a beginner. It keeps everyone and themselves safe.  

2. Give priority to downhill skiers

Just like you give way to cars on the right in the UK, on a French school ski trip, students must give skiers and snowboarders who are further downhill priority and right of way. They must be given plenty of room in case they stop or have an accident.  

3. Overtake safely

You can overtake on the left or right; however, all skiers and snowboarders should allow sufficient space for others to make the necessary turns and move freely.  

4. Always check your surroundings before setting off

Whenever you enter a run, stop, or cross a piste, it’s imperative to check uphill and downhill, so you’re aware of any nearby skiers and snowboarders, as some come flying down the slopes!  

5. Be aware when stopping

When you stop, you must take care not to block any narrow passages, blind spots on a corner or in a place where you can’t be seen. As a hazard measure, it’s important that you stop at the edge of the piste, out of the way of other skiers and snowboarders.  

6. Walking on the slopes

If you need to walk up or down the slope, it’s vital you stick to the side of the piste. Just like stopping, walking at the side of the slope keeps you from becoming a danger to yourself and others.  

7. Respect the signage

The signage is there to keep all skiers and snowboarders safe on the slopes so all students and teachers must adhere to the signs, difficulty markers and closures.  

Other considerations to remember:

Helmets

French ski resorts don’t legally require skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets, but it is highly recommended, as mountain rescue groups like the Médecins de Montagne say it’s the best way to avoid serious head injuries during collisions or falls. Helmets are required for all children participating in group skiing lessons for this reason, and French ski instructors enforce a strict policy throughout their classes. 

Off-piste skiing

Just like helmet use, off-piste skiing is not legally prohibited, but the risk is left entirely to the individual, meaning if you get injured off-piste skiing, then you are financially responsible for the rescue cost.  

Accidents and emergencies

If you witness an accident or emergency, you’re legally required to alert mountain rescue for help. To reduce further accidents, place crossed skis or poles in the snow, uphill from the injured person, to warn oncoming skiers and snowboarders and give them plenty of notice to move out the way.   

For more information, check out the FIS Code of Conduct for Skiers and Snowboarders. 

And with all that, we hope you have a fun and safe school ski trip to France! On se voit sur les pistes!