Unwritten Skiing Rules ( you should all know )

In every sport there are unwritten well accepted rules of conduct that all "knowledgeable" person know. They are not written and posted on walls. They are not given in books or magazines. They are passed along word of mouth or learnt by watching other skiers behave a certain way.

In golf there are certain behaviors that no one should do.

In tennis there are certain "actions" players are never to do.

In skiing there are many "actions", behaviors which must never be done. They are called the "unwritten rules" of behavior.

The problem is that every nation and often every ski resort has a variation of these rules. I will present some of the ones I know and I am sure others will contribute.

All the rules have reasons for their application and to the neophyte often these reasons are not evident. They often are based on ;respect, safety, tradition and "symbolism".

Whenever I go to a new ski resort or new ski country I always get a local ski guide for my group not so much for the skiing ( as most tourist think) but to acquire the local rules, traditions and "histories". These local guides know all those "unwritten rules", traditions thus we avoid "les faux pas".

Let me give you an example before listing those unwritten rules. What ski tourists do not appreciate is that local village "guide" knows all the people in the village, valley and perhaps country's ski world. He/she knows where is the very best run, but also the best resto, bar, inn, etc,,,,
In one village inn, there is a bar with a corner table JUST for patrollers and ski lift workers. You do not sit there ever. No sign on table,,but you will feel the looks, stares and lack of service as you wait wait and wait for that beer.

That guide gives me and my group those "unwritten rules" of the region.

Rule 1 (based on respect)

You are with a group of 5-10 skiers at top of mountain. A moment a admiration of the view, then watch what happens.

The unwritten rule is,,,,the better skiers go first. A natural pecking order happens for safety reasons , but also out of respect to,,, You learn by watching the better skier go down. You learn to pick the better track by following the better skiers. You become a better skier by following,,,,
(you also hide well your Hesitations, fear, stress BEHIND those better skiers).

I often see this. A group with a ski instructor, guide or just former racer. The young, immature skier will rush out to be the first down in group, then he ( most of time) will feel the pressure just behind as the better skiers pick up speed, pick better lines, then ultimately pass him. Loss of face. It is not a race to the bottom but there is a flow to the ski speed of the group. The "old bull" sets this speed and flow, not the young bull.


2. Rule 2 Respect of territory

Watch and observe this. In every ski chalet there is a place for the locals, the GROUP, the "elders". You all know them those old warriors who have skied for 60 years or more, who have acquired the right to their table, their stall and in some cases their room. Do NOT sit there unless invited.
They will watch you ski. They will observe your behavior. They might invite you over after some time,,,,, You do not make first move.


3. Rule 3. Respect of tradition

Here is the scene. +40 cm. of fresh powder has fallen. You get up very very early and are first at life line,,,,waiting!
Lift opens and is cleaned and you see 3-8 skiers walking over to lift. Keep quiet!
Say nothing. Watch and learn.

They will not even get in line. They might stop and observe you for a brief moment. They will chat with lift operator, joke a little and then get on lift. I am sure you will notice that they do not even have season passes. day tickets or any form of lift passes.

They are the GODS of the this ski resort. The owners perhaps. The General Manager and the ski school director. Sometimes just a ski writer, ski guide, or a well know ski racer. In short do not complain, watch and learn and hope that some day while they are watching you they will say, "you,,,good skier,,,,come "
You will have a ski day like you have never had. Discovery of trails, cut-offs, couloirs you never knew existed.
Yes just watch.

4. Listen before speaking.

This unwritten rule is what most neophytes often transgress so often in their desire to show how great they are in skis.

Here is the context. New to a group of skiers ( so you want to show how much you know). Having coffee before lifts open and so there is small talk about weather, snow, slopes, etc,,,
The subject of the new skis comes into play and you now offer your analysis of the new technique ALL SKIERS must master. You even get up from table a demonstrate the correct hand position, those knees must,,,, the hip must,,,,,,,

There is silence from group for a moment, the all get back to the weather, snow,
last night's meal.....

What you failed to know was that those 4 men sitting at the table,,, one was a former World Cup national racer, the other was ski guide with a level IV ski instructor certification, the ski school director and the ski patrol director.
No need to tell them about technique. They all have "unique" technique.
( this really happened).

I am sure you can contribute to this list.


Oh,,,,,one more.

5. Leave your "prejudice" at home.

Context: You have been skiing with two great older skiers and you can hardly keep up. You are learning a great deal with these two not only about skiing but about ski skiing life.
As you go up a chairlift,,,,you see a skier with a knee brace and you comment,"he should not be on skis. Too dangerous for himself and others. See how he is weak on his right turn."

What you fail to see as you put your foot into your mouth is the smiles from your two partners. One has two artificial knees and hips and recent open heart surgery. The other two cancer operations, one knee replacement and one ski pole removal from chest just 4 months ago.

Learn to keep your prejudice home while skiing. I never talk about; politics, the stock market, money ,family problems and sex. Well sex,,,,,,,,just positive and nice items!

Just a few more "unwritten rules" to entertain you.

Context:
Four male " mature " skiers are having a great ski week with an on-slope condo.
One of males goes to pool/spa and after two hours comes back all excited. "Met these great women" in the spa and,,,,,,, ( you fill in the blanks ).

30 minutes later who shows up at condo door ? You guessed it. THE women going to supper with us. He had invited ( in his male ego excited state) to supper. Problem was we already had supper while he was away ( 2 hours ). Please do not ask me what you do in spa for two hours !

Unwritten rule is never speak for group if you do not have their prior approval.
Do not invite girls to ski with "US" if you have not discussed before.
Do not invite girls to stay over if,,,,,

In short do not speak for group or get group involved because you want to continue relationship with one of the women.

( now if you are interested in the post-ski trip story,,,just wait a few months since there is one. First I will have to pass it by Dave since it does involve; intrigue, action, tension and much much pleasure ).


Never borrow a friend's ski if you are not willing to pay for "damages". No explications needed on this one.


Never ask a total skiing stranger, " where is the stash, the hidden secret powder zones". Silly man, you must earn this knowledge. Be worthy of going with the boys to these secret places. The unwritten rule about this one is clear. Never tell others about the "hidden powder zones unless group accepts person.
That takes at least one day of ; observation of person, two hours of testing skills in groomed zones and at least 3 hours of bar exposure. Minimum.

How about "Never complain about weather". Was a joke this year as Alps were being dumped on; number of people moaning about it snowing. Not sure how they thought it got there normally?

Ranchero,

I do not have a problem with that one, since word has been passed along that Pavel does not tolerate "weather complainers" !

Left one man in parking lot when he complained about too much snow ! Just drove away.

Too much snow !!!***&&&%%$$$###@@@@ÙÙÙÙùùùù

Never but never complain about weather while skiing! Yes great unwritten rule. Never thought I had to say that on a ski chat site.

Here is a rule that if not respected will ruin relationships, friendships and more.

Again you will not see this rule posted on walls or in ski books but it is a cardinal rule of good skiing fellowship.

One words tells all,,,,,,sharing (in all its manifestations )

Here are some contexts for the application of this rule.

Traveling in a car for two weeks skiing various ski resorts as skiing gypsies. Going where the snow is. Following the stars. Without asking, fellow travelers should share with owner cost of gas (petrol).

Sharing room/condo/chalet. There always is the best bed or best room with best view. What to do often is the dilemma . Share pleasures also with a coin flip. Winner has first choice of bed, room, etc,,, If you win do not always pick best bed, best room, best condo. Think of the others,,,,,,,.

You all get the point. Think of the happy ski moments for all rather than just for me.

There is a limit to this rule. It is in a powder day. You all have heard the expression, "no friends in powder". It applies.

I must confess that I have allowed the "no friends in powder" concept to be secondary to the sharing rule. Allow me to explain.

I had been teaching a friend how to ski in powder on several outings with no serious powder. I would motivate him by speaking of "floating, soaring in white clouds". He really really wanted it.
It happened that by chance we are in a major snow storm and I knew that a certain chair lift in the very ski resort we are at would open late. I made sure we were first up ( thus first down ). All the way up all we saw was virgin snow fields top to bottom,,,,side to side. +50 cm. of white fluffy, soft snow flakes.

I prepared person for the pleasure coming. No stops ever,,,,, anywhere, straight fall line skiing, close mouth, close all openings, do not forget to breath !

At top I allowed friend first taste of slope. First tracks. That is sharing. He still talks about that run. The shouting, yelling, whistling from the skiers above on the lift encouraging him to go faster, ,,better. He was his very best that run. Alone in the slope among the millions of flakes. That is sharing.

In short think of all your skiing friends, before you think just of you. It will go a long way in "cementing" your skiing relationships.

Want another sharing context ?
I always have an extra set of gloves, sunglasses and googles ( just in case ). It happens on every ski trip. Someone forgets, drops or breaks glasses. Sharing among skiing friends is the unwritten rule.

One touchy , delicate point always comes up and it has to do with sharing and respect.
It is the issue of sharing one's skis. What to do ?

A friend should never ask to use another skier's skis. Even more so if the competency level of first person is lower. If I have to explain,,,then you do not understand the respect rule. Just do not ask to use your guide's, your instructor's or the old bull's skis. Let him/her offer the pleasure.

Sharing,,,,great unwritten rule not just for skiing.

Another unwritten rule.

Very few skiers even consider this one or even know about it. It has been part of skiing since its origins. but these modern times such behavior is not valued.

This rule has nothing to do with safety but a great deal to do with manners and pleasure.

Context: All year you have been taking ski lessons with the same ski instructor or all week you have had the same ski instructor. He/she has made you a better skier. You are now soaring with ease.
OR
All year you have placed some skis near lift chalet since you have several skis to test or try out. All year the lift attendant says hello to you and helps you make your ski day great.

The unwritten rule is,,,,,,,, at end of skiing season or end of week you get together with group and buy a gift for,,,,,. Just a bottle of wine will do. A small note to ski resort owner is also appreciated.
A small talk to all the ski class group to donate some tip shows" class" .

Every year the ski staff have a party at the end of the season, why not send a letter to General Manager, Ski School Director telling them how great service was. How great the instructions were. How XXXZZZVVV helped you

Many people complain,,,,,,be the one that compliments.

Just another unwritten rule in skiing that is not often seen.

Do it next season.

Ps. My skis never get stolen and now you know why. Last season I had 5 pair of skis that I had to use ( HAD is perhaps harsh term ). I forgot one pair,,,,a Head Supershape 2012 model.
At 8 PM I get a phone call, " Pavel have your skis in the shop. The lift attendant picked them up at the end of the day. " That wine bottle did not cost me much.

Do it just once and you will see how happy you are and what great "hello" you will get from support staff.

I always struggle to know what to tip with instructors, especially if in a group and the arguments between groups some years. Buying a bottle of wine good idea but how do you carry it on your last lesson.
I have had private lessons on one holiday with two different instructors from same company one was insulted I offered a tip and the other must be a magician in the summer the speed the money disappeared.
Think the letter is a fantastic idea, I agree we always quick to complain but reticent to praise!
Always say hello to lift operator and get a huge mixture of reactions, worse is when they try to have a quick conversation as my foreign language skills are stretched by saying good morning! Hang my head in shame.

john987,

Many years ago when I was a full time ski instructor just $20 US ( when US money was worth something) for a full week of classes was acceptable. We would tune classes skis, wax them and yes even dance with them until 9 PM. Long happy hours.

All it takes is one person to have an envelope and IN FRONT OF GROUP ask to place the amount in the envelope. Trust me no one refuses and you will see next time you ask for,,,,, you will get very very special teaching.

For many full time instructors that extra money means a great deal.

That note is also greatly appreciated. Just do it.

It shows you all have "class" know the unwritten rules of good skiing behavior and are worthy of that special attention.

It is good to learn some basic words before coming to a new country. That smile does wonders. I once gave a pair of skis to an attendant after my ski holiday. For years after I got the royal treatment whenever I came with a group. Seems attendant had a large family in the village, was well connected to,,,,,, and loved skiing. It helped that it was a "socialistic" country with few modern skis. It also made me feel so happy seeing that happy happy face when he got the skis.

Just be nice.