Skiing comes with plenty of official rules, from staying sober to giving the downhill skier the right of way, but anyone who has spent enough time at a ski resort knows there is also an unwritten code that develops on the mountain.
We asked our Facebook followers what they consider to be the biggest unwritten rules of skiing. The responses covered everything from lift line etiquette to powder days, with many of the most common answers focusing on simply being aware of the people around you. Here are five of the biggest unwritten rules according to our readers.
1. Do Not Be A Lift Line Imbecile
Lift line etiquette was one of the most common themes in the responses. When a lift line is busy, skiers should work together to fill available seats rather than waiting for an empty chair. Zipper merging at designated points also keeps the line moving and prevents unnecessary confusion.
Another common complaint was getting too close to other people’s skis. Nobody wants their equipment constantly stepped on or pushed around while waiting for the chair. Pay attention and keep the line moving, it’s that simple.
2. Get Out Of The Middle Of The Trail
Stopping is inevitable in a day of skiing, but stopping in the middle of a trail is one of the quickest ways to create a dangerous situation. Multiple people emphasized moving to the edge of the trail when taking a break. Avoid stopping just below a rollover or in other locations where approaching traffic cannot easily see. The same principle applies when checking a map or waiting for friends. Get out of the main flow of traffic before stopping.
3. Announce Yourself When Passing
Passing skiers is another situation where a little communication can go a long way. Several Facebook users mentioned yelling “on your left” or “on your right” before passing so you don’t scare someone or force them to change direction. It’s just nice to keep other people aware of your movements. Skiers should also make sure to leave enough room when passing and avoid making sudden movements across the trail.
4. Keep The Secret Powder Stashes Secret
Powder days bring out a different set of unwritten rules. Keeping every hidden powder stash or secret line to themselves is one thing a lot of our followers encouraged. Specifically frowned upon is sharing the location of the goods across social media.
Another powder day unwritten rule was keeping a tight line through fresh snow. Stick to your line and don’t destroy an entire field of powder with one turn. Finding untracked snow is part of what makes a powder day special. Not every discovery needs to become a public location.
5. Respect Other Skiers And Their Space
Perhaps the broadest unwritten rule is also the simplest: do not make someone else’s day worse. That includes giving beginners and children extra space, avoiding collisions, respecting other people’s equipment, and helping someone who’s fallen when possible.
There were plenty of complaints about Bluetooth speakers on the mountain as well. While some skiers enjoy music while riding, others head to the mountains specifically for some peace and quiet.
Skiing is a shared experience, so don’t ruin the day for everyone else with your lack of courtesy, awareness, and respect. It’s a pretty simple ask.