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FIS rules

The so-called FIS rules – short for Fédération Internationale de Ski – are a set of rules of conduct for everyone on the ski run. Beginners are taught the basic guidelines by their ski instructor the first time they hit the slopes.
As these are simple, intuitive rules, no special test is required. Nor is there any direct penalty for breaching one of the rules. However, in the event of an accident – for example, in claims for compensation for pain and suffering or damages – it may well be relevant whether or not the person who caused the accident complied with the FIS rules.

The first and most important rule on the slopes is: mutual consideration. To ensure that no one is put at risk and that fun remains the priority, every winter sports enthusiast must ensure, through their behaviour, that they neither endanger nor harm others, nor restrict them in any way. This includes, for example, maintaining an appropriate speed, adapted to both visibility conditions and the density of traffic. After all, anyone who hurtles down the slope at breakneck speed, even though they may not be able to see far ahead due to heavy snow drifts, risks colliding with other skiers. In doing so, they endanger themselves and others and simultaneously breach several FIS rules.

In addition, there are clear guidelines for overtaking, stopping on the slope, and rejoining the run or setting off again after a stop. Every skier and snowboarder skis or snowboards at their own pace, so it is naturally possible that you may need to overtake slower skiers or snowboarders. It does not matter on which side the overtaking manoeuvre takes place. The only important thing is to maintain a sufficient distance from the other person so as not to put them at risk.

You should generally avoid stopping in the middle of the run, as this makes you an obstacle to other skiers and snowboarders. However, if you do need to take a break or wait for slower companions, you should first head for the edge of the run. Even then, you must be mindful of the flow of traffic coming down from above, so as not to force anyone into dangerous evasive manoeuvres.

Finally, when resuming your run, bear in mind that those already on the run have right of way. You must therefore check in all directions to ensure that no one is put at risk as soon as you join the run. All winter sports enthusiasts should be aware of their own abilities. Anyone who does not pick up speed quickly should wait for a larger gap in the flow of traffic rather than trying to squeeze in somewhere.

If, despite taking every precaution, an accident does occur, all winter sports enthusiasts are obliged to provide assistance in accordance with FIS rules. Just as in other situations in life, the aim here is to help as much as one possibly can. Even if it simply means calling the emergency services – the main thing is not to look away when others fall.
To ensure that all those involved, as well as any witnesses, can be identified following a collision, there is also a requirement to carry identification. Every winter sports enthusiast should therefore carry their identity card with them when they head out onto the slopes.

There are no fines or other penalties to be paid for breaching the FIS rules. Nevertheless, the behaviour of winter sports enthusiasts is relevant in the event of an accident. For example, in November 2008, the Higher Regional Court of Hamm handed down a judgement (Case No. I-13 U 81/08) after a young man attempted to overtake a slower female skier on the slope but collided with her in the process. As the health insurance provider refused to cover the costs of treatment, the injured party brought a claim for compensation for pain and suffering, as well as for reimbursement of treatment costs. Because the skier who was overtaking had breached the FIS rules when he caused the accident by failing to maintain a sufficient distance during his manoeuvre, the court ruled that he must bear the costs.