Do you know the Skiway Code? With half term approaching we thought it would be a great time to recap the basic safety rules for staying safe when you’re snowboarding.
Otherwise known as the FIS Rules for the Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders, the Skiway Code is a set of 10 simple guidelines to keep you safe on the slopes. Think of it as the highway code of snowboarding.
Respect for others
Be nice
A skier or snowboard must behave in such a way that he or she does not endanger or prejudice others.
Control of speed
Take it easy and ride to the conditions
A skier or snowboard must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
Choice of route
People in front have right of way
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
Overtaking
Give people space
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
Entering, starting and moving upwards
Look around before you set off
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
Stopping on the slope
Stop out of the way and where you can be seen
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboard must avoid stopping on the slope in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place a skier or snowboarder mush move and clear of the slope as soon as possible.
Climbing and descending on foot
Keep to the side
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the slope.
Respect for signs and markings
Obey the signs
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings
Assistance
Stop and help
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist
Identification
Make yourself know
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
As well as following the Skiway Code, as a snowboarder always remember to put your board upside down or stick it in the snow when you unstrap both feet. The last thing you want is to watch your snowboard sliding down the piste without you!
If you’re snowboarding in Avoriaz or Morzine this February, check out our tips for avoiding the half term crowds and have a fun, safe holiday!
Read the full FIS Rules for the Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders here
Did you miss the pre-season announcements about changes to pistes and lifts in the Portes du Soleil? To help you plan for your upcoming holidays, here’s a quick summary of what’s new in Avoriaz, Morzine & Les Gets for winter 2019/20.
Avoriaz
- In Avoriaz, the old, slow Léchère chairlift linking the Lindarets bowl to the Mossette and Brochaux chairlifts has been replaced with a much faster, and comfier 6 man chair
- Linking from the top of Léchère is a brand new lift, Cases. This provides a quicker route over to Les Crosets, Switzerland
- If you want to stay in Avoriaz, from the top of the Cases lift there’s a new red piste, Vautna giving access to terrain above the existing blue piste Abricotine.
Morzine
- Over in Morzine, piste G / le Grizzli (blue) now starts from the Belvédère lift. From here you can choose to continue to the Pleney slopes, or make your way over to Nyon.
- In Nyon, the Aigle Rouge piste (red) has been rerouted giving more options from the top of La Pointe.
- Just at the top of the Nyon Gondola you’ll find les Aigles du Léman. This is a great place to have a coffee or lunch and watch the birds of prey displays. You can even go riding with them! It’s worth making a stop to have a look if you’re over that way.
Les Gets
- Splitboarding and ski touring are becoming more and more popular. So much so that now there’s a dedicated piste where you can earn your turns in the safety of the resort. Starting at the bottom of the Chamois piste, the 3km trail winds from the base of the gondola to the summit of Mont Chéry. It’s a great introduction for beginners and an ideal way to build fitness for more experienced splitboarders and ski tourers.
- In the Les Perrières area of Les Gets, Les Trembles is a new blue piste that will take you back to the car park. This is a great alternative to existing red run, Meleze.
As you can see, there are some great developments in resort this year. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced snowboarder, having some lessons can help you enjoy the mountain even more. Our guide to snowboarding levels and lessons is a great place to start.
Domes and drylsopes are fun but the REAL snowboarding happens in the mountains! If this is your first time snowboarding in a resort, here are some tips to make sure you’re mountain ready.
Check the weather
The weather can change a lot in the mountains. Just because it’s warm and sunny in Morzine it doesn’t mean it’ll be warm once you’re on the slopes or sitting on a chairlift.
A quick look out of the window is a good starting point although may be misleading. It might be gloomy in resort but sunny above the clouds. It’s always worth checking the mountain weather reports and webcams before setting off for the day.
Kit
Once you know what the weather’s expected to be, make sure you’re kitted out properly and your equipment is in good order. Spend a couple of minutes in the morning to make sure that your board and boots are in good condition.
If this is your first time snowboarding in the mountains then a simple hoodie won’t cut it. Layering and good socks are key to an enjoyable day snowboarding. It is also worth spending a little bit more money on clothing that is designed for snowboarding. This will help you stay warm and dry on the mountain, whatever the weather throws at you.
Remember: an extra layer is never a bad idea, don’t forget your googles or sunglasses, and always wear sunscreen!
Food & drink
It’s important to keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated when you’re snowboarding.
To keep you going throughout the day, start off with a good breakfast and then pack plenty of pocket snacks for a quick bite on the lifts.
If you’re stopping for lunch, there are picnic areas around the resort where you can take your own lunch if you’re keeping an eye on your budget. The newest one is in Lindarets bowl, near the top of the Ardent gondola.
You’ll also find loads of cafes and restaurants tucked away on the slopes if you fancy something hot. Whatever you do for lunch, just make sure you have some water in amongst the vin chaud or beers!
Map / location
Make sure you know where you’re going! It seems obvious but it’s too easy to follow other people or misread piste markers and suddenly you’re on a slope that’s too difficult or at a lift miles away from where you’re meeting everyone.
You can pick up piste maps at all the ticket desks in resort. You’ll also find big maps by some of the lifts. Remember the name of the lift you’re on, or heading to, and look out for the signs on your way down to keep you in the right direction.
You can also access the Portes du Soleil piste map online or download it to your phone from the official Portes du Soleil website.
Where to meet
Make sure you know when and where to meet your instructor so you can get there in plenty of time.
REAL Snowboard lessons start at the top of the Pleney Gondola in Morzine, or the top of the Prodains Express in Avoriaz. These lifts are both walk on so you can get to your lesson without worrying about getting on a chairlift!
When you book lessons with us, we will send you confirmation of the lesson time and location a week before your lesson date so you have plenty of time to plan your day.
Remember to arrange with others in your group where you’ll meet them after your lesson and make sure you all have a working phone, just in case something changes.
Now all that’s left to do is enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and have a fantastic snowboarding holiday!
