Snow Sports and Safety

Information and practical tips on safety and regulations that apply to skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports in France: the 10 FIS Rules for Conduct, the meaning of avalanche flags and more...

Skiing and snowboarding are high-speed sports where injuries can be common, however there are ways to avoid them.

The Ski Code

There is an international code of etiquette and safety to be followed on all ski slopes. This code, the 10 Rules for Conduct, has been created by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The penalties for contravention vary from place to place although the rules themselves are unchanging and must always be obeyed.

Ski Slope Difficulty

Ski slopes - or pistes - are graded by difficulty:


Green: 
beginners/
nursery		 Blue: 
moderately easy		 Red: 
difficult		 Black: 
experienced skiers

  • Down hill and cross-country skis and snowshoes can be rented from the skiing centres. They can usually be rented by the day or week. Ask at the lift pass office if there is a different access pass for these sports as you will be using a smaller area of the mountain than the Alpine skiers and snowboarders
  • Mini Glossary:
    • Cross-country skiing - Ski de fond
    • Snow shoe - une raquette
    • Chair lift - télésiège
    • Ski lift - téléski
    • Snowboard - un surf
    • Mountain Map - plan de Piste

Avoiding Injuries