Ski resort etiquette: A modern riders guide to the Do’s & Don’ts
Ever wondered about ski resort etiquette? We have put together modern riders guide to the do's & don'ts.
The world of skiing and snowboarding is our heaven and happy place. We love the mountains, the villages, the sport and the people. We should want to protect the sanctity of our sport, ourselves and fellow riders. To do this, there should be some simple rules of etiquette that should be established and followed, to ensure we can keep riding blissfully and the mountains remain as our untainted love. So we have put together some simple do’s and don’ts in a ski resort, which essentially require a little mindfulness and courtesy but ensure we stay safe and look after each other. These rules are not to take the fun out of skiing and boarding (granted that would be VERY difficult), but to protect the fun.
Upholding ski resort etiquette with style
Without a doubt, rule number one for ski resort etiquette calls for acing your style game and prioritising safety. Dressing sharply while maintaining functionality is more straightforward than it sounds with our exceptional ski attire collections. It might be the perfect time to revitalise your seasonal ski wardrobe as you gear up for your upcoming thrilling adventures on the icy slopes.
Obviously, given the nature of the sport and the perilous mountain, it is always safety first, but then second, is respect for those around you. The don’ts are mainly to stay safe out there and the do’s are small and helpful ways to look after your fellow riders and the incredible mountain.
For some of the newbies out there, these rules may be new tips but for others, this list is a gentle reminder… (you know who you are).
The DONT's
Don’t speed past beginners
This may be a long time ago for some, but cast your mind back to when you first strapped in your board or skis. We can bet you weren’t always an incredible and fearless rider, there surely was an initial uncertainty, fear and panic. For those just starting out their adventure on the mountain, young or old, they may need some time to overcome the nerves. Beginners need space and to feel like they are in a safe environment. So for those who are confident and able skiers and boarders (who have an element of control of their feet/ direction), then it’s best practice to slow down past beginners and give them a wide girth on the piste. They may not always be easy to spot, but look out for the pizza and the french fries, especially when on the greens and blues.
Don’t get too close behind snowboarders on their blindside
The boarders out there will be thanking us for this, so essentially this is a PSA (public service announcement) to all skiers: try to avoid skiing up close or cutting up a boarder on their blindside- they can not see you.
Borders are mostly facing in one direction and this means that they have a blindside, so they will not see anyone who comes up behind them. This is a potential collision situation if the boarder suddenly changes direction or you startle them. Be mindful of others on the mountain, as you would driving a car on the road.
Don’t take over the middle of the piste
This perhaps is a shoutout to both beginners and experts, as the middle of a piste can often be dominated by the slow and the fast. If you are a beginner and still parallel skiing or having to take long, wide turns, be mindful of who is trying to get past you. Take your wide turns, but don’t focus your efforts down the middle of the piste, especially if it’s narrow. For those who have no problem with picking up speed, imagine the middle of the piste as an overtaking lane. The main point here is being mindful of where you position yourself, so that you have the room to do your thing, whilst not getting in the way of others.
Don’t stop in the middle of the piste or below a lip
Whilst we’re on the topic of the middle of the piste, try not stop in the middle. As we have discovered, there is an importance in where you locate yourself and this includes when stopping. To ensure that people behind you can expect your next move and can avoid you as you slow down, the best thing is to keep to the edges of the piste when stopping. This also means that you and the crew can gather together before heading back off again.
The same goes for if you stop at the top of a piste, try avoid stopping just below the top as you may be unseen by those heading in your direction. We are picturing a pile-on of skiers and boarders, and it’s not a pretty sight.
Don’t litter or leave trash behind
One of the biggest frustrations at ski resorts is people leaving trash on the mountain. Pack out what you pack in! Whether it’s an energy bar wrapper, a broken ski pole strap, or an empty water bottle, never leave waste behind. Resorts rely on snowfall to cover the terrain, but when the snow melts, garbage left on the slopes can harm wildlife and damage the environment.
If you see someone else’s trash on the mountain, consider picking it up—a small act of responsibility goes a long way in keeping the mountains pristine for everyone.
The DO's
Always stop and help others who have fallen
No matter how good you are at skiing or boarding you are most likely going to take a tumble at some point. Some may be a graceful slide and you are back up again, whilst others might be a comedy image of you flying through the air, skis or board going in the opposite direction and you end up at the bottom of the piste with no idea. You know the feeling well, so when you see someone else fall it’s always the best courtesy to check on them, even if it looks like a minor fall. Help them back up again and try reunite them with their belongings if they are found scattered across the mountain. If things are more serious, it goes without saying to call the local emergency line.
Be aware of different skill levels
Not everyone on the slopes is at the same ability level, so it’s important to respect skiers and snowboarders of all experiences. If you’re an advanced rider, avoid weaving too close to beginners or creating unnecessary pressure by tailgating them.
On the flip side, if you’re a beginner, try to stay to the sides of busy runs instead of blocking high-traffic zones. Everyone has a right to enjoy the mountain, so practicing patience and being mindful of others' abilities helps keep the slopes fun for all.
Stick to the side of queues if you are waiting to ride a lift with friends
Unfortunately, queuing is the inevitable chore of each ski trip, especially during peak weeks, so the least we can do is make this experience as courteous as possible. If you are with friends and want to ride the lifts with them- so you can chat about the best runs, who the hottie in the chair behind you is and take selfies- then step to the side and allow smaller groups to go on before you. If possible, whilst queueing, gather the troops from the two outer sides of the queue and ease in when at the front. This way you aren’t stopping the flow of the queue, which is essential when it’s busy.
Respecting Lift Line Etiquette
Lift lines can be one of the most frustrating parts of a ski day, so proper etiquette is essential to keep things moving smoothly. Avoid cutting in line or squeezing ahead of people who were waiting before you. If you’re a single rider, use the designated single-rider line to fill empty spots and help the lift operate efficiently.
When it's your turn, be ready to load quickly—this isn’t the time to check your phone or adjust your gear. If you're skiing in a group, don’t block the line while waiting for friends; instead, let others pass until you're all together.
Always check for a clearing back up the mountain before setting off
If you have stopped at the side of the piste to catch a breath or wait for your crew, then you must be mindful before setting off again. Make sure to glance back up the mountain for oncoming traffic of skiers and boarders and wait for a gap before setting back off. The people coming down can’t predict your actions, so if they are coming up close to you they may not be able to stop or swerve in time when you come out in front.
Terrain park etiquette
If you’re heading into the terrain park, it’s crucial to follow proper etiquette. Never sit on or block the landing zones of jumps and rails—this is one of the biggest safety risks in the park.
Before dropping in, wait your turn and call your line by saying "dropping" so others know you’re going. Always be aware of the flow of the park and watch for other riders who may be moving at different speeds.
If you’re new to the park, start small and work your way up, rather than attempting features beyond your skill level.
Always wear safety gear and an avalanche kit when venturing on any kind of off-Piste
If you are an experienced skier or boarder and seek the thrills of more than just the slopes, you will most likely need to head further afield to the unpatrolled and unpisted areas. Although fun, exhilarating and challenging, the off-piste and backcountry areas of the mountain are also some of the most dangerous. To ensure the safety of yourself and of others in case of an avalanche, you must always be prepared with an avalanche kit in your rucksack. Having your shovel, probe and transceiver in your bag (switched on) will mean that in the case of an emergency, your crew can locate you if you are buried, or they can find you. Obviously this only works if everyone you are with also have their safety kit, as a transceiver is slightly pointless on its own. Check with your crew before you head off-piste, planned or unplanned that they have the necessary gear, if someone doesn’t then make the decision to not go off-piste that day, it should be that simple.
FAQs
Why is it necessary to check uphill before setting off?
Checking uphill before setting off ensures you do not accidentally move into the path of oncoming skiers or snowboarders. This simple act could help in preventing collisions.
What is the most important rule in ski resort etiquette?
Safety is paramount when it comes to ski resort etiquette. This includes respecting all marked signs and barriers, maintaining control and speed appropriate for your skill level, and being thoughtful about where and when you stop on the slopes.
What should I do if I accidentally collide with another skier?
If you have a collision with another skier or snowboarder, the most important thing is to check if they are okay. Even if it wasn’t your fault, stopping to help shows good sportsmanship and responsibility. If the person is injured, notify ski patrol immediately. Never ski away from an accident—this is considered highly disrespectful and could lead to serious consequences.
Can I listen to music while skiing?
Yes, but with caution. If you like to listen to music while skiing, use only one earbud or keep the volume low so you can still hear what’s happening around you. Being fully aware of your surroundings is essential for safety.
Wrapping up
The mountain is an extraordinary place and will make some of the best memories and experiences for those who venture out there. But as we have established, we can’t just point down the mountain with our skis or board and not pay attention to what’s around you. The mountains are equally a dangerous place and unfortunately, people can get injured and in some case badly hurt, so by being mindful and paying attention, this can help you and everyone else stay a little safer. Following some simple rules can make the resort a welcoming place for the beginners and a fun place for the seasoned pros.
As snowsports become increasingly more popular and attract more and more tourists to resorts, the need for etiquette becomes more important. Of course, it only really works if everyone follows the rules, but you can now be the guide and the leader and people will follow.
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