Dolomiti Superski Region Put Onus On Safety

The giant Italian Dolomiti Superski region is continuing to step up its safety campaign, 'Safer ski!' with the greatest onus on skier behaviour.

"The Dolomites Region does not generally have many avalanches and the lifts and cableways are among the safest in the world. Safety on the slopes usually depends on the skiers and their behaviour when coming downhill. Carelessness and high speed, as well as overestimation of their own capabilities are the most common causes of accidents." Said a company spokeserson.

Each person who buys a ski pass receives a brochure with tips and instructions how to plan your ski day efficiently, how to choose the right equipment, together with information on well-balanced nutrition and the 12 FIS-Rules for conduct of skiers and snowboarders.

However for the unconvinced, Italy has four different sets of safety personnel working on the slopes.

The Alpini Group, which are part of the military, belong to the mountain infantry and are good skiers. They have additionally completed a medical training at the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and have knowledge in legal issues. The Carabienieri are another army unit, whilst the Polizia (police) and the Finance police are units of the Ministry of the Interior. All have the duty to guarantee security on the slopes and have the power to fine skiers and boarders who break behaviour and thus safety rules.

Spot fines range from 30 euros for not stopping up to 92 euros for serious misbehavior.

"The number of accidents is higher in good weather as people ski more carefully in bad weather", explains Fabio, who works at the Kronplatz.
"The main cause is usually high speed. Alcohol generally is not the problem. If someone is just a little tipsy we don't do anything. But if the people are really drunk then we react. Luckily this happens very seldom."

Worst of all according to Fabio are those who ski in sites closed to the public.

"When they set off an avalanche/snowslide, they risk their own lives, those of others and those of their rescuers."

Some skiers and boarders try to out run the various piste police services. Fabio grins, "We are faster though. They bluster and we keep calm. Our main aim is to inform, not to punish."
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

Well, it is encouraging to see that there is an issue of the FIS rules along with lift passes. You state 12 FIS rules, Dave, but the Schiwelt only list 12.

1. Respect for other skiers
You are responsible for your own safety and that of other skiers and snow boarders. Be aware of people around you and take necessary action to avoid skiing dangerously or causing a hazard to yourself or others.

2. Control of speed and manner of skiing
Control your direction and speed of travel, taking account of the terrain, snow, weather and traffic conditions.

3. Choice of path
Select an appropriate path. If you are skiing behind someone it's your responsibility to ski around them without causing any danger to them.

4. Overtaking
You can over-take from either left or right but you must leave enough distance between yourself and other skiers to allow them to manoeuvre properly.

5. Joining and starting
Before starting off or pulling out you must look up and down the slope and choose an appropriate moment to execute your manoeuvre, so as not to endanger yourself or other skiers.

6. Stopping
Avoid stopping at blind corners or narrow or enclosed places unless you have to i.e. you're injured. In the case of an injury you must vacate the spot as soon as practicable, to avoid further danger (to yourself or others). You should always stop at the side of the slope.

7. Ascending and descending
You must always use the side of the slope to walk up or down, whether wearing skis or not.

8. Observing the signs
Pay attention to and follow the signs, markings and notices on the slope.

9. Offering assistance
You are obliged by law to offer help and assistance in the event of any accident.

10. Duty to identify yourself
You are also obliged by law to give your personal details in the event of an accident, whether you caused it, witnessed it or assisted at it.

But:

Experience tells me that apart from the usual hazard of out-of-control skiers/boarders, the other hazard is the Italian trait of having a family/friendship gathering in the middle of the piste. Ciao, Bambino, blah-di-blaho. Then you whip over the horizon to face three generations of the Fabio get-together.

Shitioro! Bale out left! Aim for the boarder that had you in his sights anyway!

Stay calm.

At least they are not rude in the lift queues like the French )

Tony_H wrote:At least they are not rude in the lift queues like the French )

i don't think the French need a lift queue in order to be rude :wink:

Can I have one star please.........and I'm even ruder than the French :evil: