1.00.03 - What's this "Your Responsibility Code" thing?

This used to be known as The Skier's Responsibility Code but is now simply referred to as Your Responsibility Code. Rather than saying much about it, we'll just include it here.

Note: This code is widely accepted in the United States... other countries may have similar codes. One netter reports that this code is similar to what's posted in New Zealand.

Your Responsibility Code

"Skiing" can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled and other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the following code and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

  1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Your Responsibility Code is endorsed by The American Ski Federation, National Ski Patrol, United States Ski Industries Association, Professional Ski Instructors of America, Cross Country Ski Areas Association, United States Ski Association, Ski Coach's Association, and other organizations.

European countries have the FIS-rules (Federation International de Ski). They are a basis for courtroom decisions but are not laws. The FIS-rules are:

The FIS-rules

  1. Consideration of the other Skiers - Every skier has to behave in a way he or she doesn't endanger or damage any other.
  2. Controlling of speed and way of skiing - Every skier has to ski on sight. He has to adapt his speed and way of skiing to his abilities and the conditions of the terrain, the snow and the weather as to the traffic density.
  3. Choice of track - The skier coming from behind another has to choose his track so that skiers before him won't be endangered.
  4. Overtaking - Overtaking is allowed from above or below, from right or left but always with a distance so that the skier being overtaken has space enough for all his movements.
  5. Entering and restarting - Every skier entering a trail or starting after a halt has to assure himself uphill and downhill of the fact that he can do so without danger for himself and others.
  6. Stopping - Every skier has to avoid stopping at small or blind places of a trail without need. A fallen skier has to free such a place as quick as possible.
  7. Mounting and descend - A skier mounting or descending by feet has to use the border of the trail.
  8. Pay attention to signs - Every skier has to pay attention to the marks and signs.
  9. Behavior in case of accidents - In case of accidents every skier has to help.
  10. Duty of proving identity - Every skier whether witness or involved, whether responsible or not has to prove his identity in case of an accident.