Skiing in Salzburger Land is a true experience: snow-covered mountains, picturesque villages and the clear Alpine air make every day of skiing something special.
But as well as having fun and enjoying nature, your safety always comes first.
Skiing not only requires physical fitness, but also attentiveness and consideration.
If you are safe on your skis, you can enjoy the breathtaking winter landscape without a care in the world and finish your day’s skiing without incident.
The most important facts summarized in advance
- Safety comes first: consideration and anticipatory skiing according to the FIS rules are essential to avoid accidents on the slopes.
- Realistic self-assessment: An honest assessment of your fitness and skiing technique as well as thorough preparation reduce the risk of injury.
- Choose your ski area carefully: Beginners should prefer areas with easier slopes in order to avoid excessive demands.
- Make sure you wear a helmet: A helmet is essential and protects against serious head injuries; it is especially compulsory for children up to the age of 15.
- Equipment and maintenance: Regular maintenance of your ski equipment and wearing a well-fitting helmet, ski goggles and suitable clothing are crucial for your safety.
- Warming up and adapted skiing behavior: Warming up before skiing and gradually increasing the difficulty help to prevent injuries.
The FIS rules – the foundation for safe skiing
Consideration is the top priority on the slopes.
The Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) has defined ten rules of conduct that apply to skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
These rules are comparable to traffic regulations and are intended to ensure that everyone is safe on the slopes.
A defensive driving style and anticipatory driving are essential to avoid accidents, especially in difficult places or in changing weather conditions.
- Consideration: Avoid endangering others.
- Speed: Ride in a controlled manner and adapt to the conditions.
- Lane selection: Choose your lane so that you do not endanger anyone.
- Overtaking: Only overtake with sufficient distance.
- Ski in: Make sure you are safe before you hit the slopes.
- Stop: Avoid stopping in narrow or confusing places.
- Ascent/descent: Stay at the edge of the slope.
- Observe signs: Respect markings and signals.
- Provide assistance: Provide assistance in the event of accidents.
- Compulsory identification: Give your personal details after an accident.
Many accidents on the slopes happen because skiers overestimate their abilities.
It is important to know your own limits and to adapt your choice of slope and speed accordingly.
Only those who are honest with themselves and realistically assess their ability can safely enjoy a day on the slopes and fully appreciate the joy of skiing. Hermann Oberschneider
Self-assessment and preparation
Before you hit the slopes, you should realistically assess your own fitness and skiing technique.
Skiing requires both physical and mental preparation.
A regular fitness program aimed at strengthening your leg, core and back muscles will help you to prevent injuries and improve your performance.
In addition, a ski course at the Kaprun ski school ensures that your technique is up to date and that you can ski efficiently and safely.
The choice of ski resort
Not every ski area is suitable for all abilities.
Beginners and returnees should choose areas with predominantly blue and red slopes to avoid being overwhelmed.
An up-to-date ski atlas can help you choose the right ski area.
It is important not to be put under pressure by challenging descents or the speed of other skiers.
Helmets are compulsory – a must for your safety
A helmet is part of the basic equipment of every skier and snowboarder.
It protects against head injuries and can save lives in an emergency.
In many Austrian federal states, including Salzburg, it is compulsory for children and young people up to the age of 15 to wear a helmet.
Even if there is no legal obligation for adults, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended.
Equipment and regular maintenance
The right equipment is the be-all and end-all for safe skiing fun.
In addition to your helmet, your ski boots and bindings should also be perfectly tailored to your needs.
Have your equipment serviced regularly to ensure that it meets the latest safety standards.
Well-maintained skis offer better grip on the slopes and reduce the risk of accidents.
What should your equipment contain?
- Safety helmet: Wear a helmet (EN 1077) that fits well and does not wobble.
This should be replaced every 8 years. - Ski goggles: Protect your eyes from UV rays and offer a good field of vision.
They should fit perfectly with the helmet. - Sunscreen: Use a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) and please do not use moisturizer in cold weather.
- Clothing: Wear functional clothing in an onion look (3 layers) to protect you against the cold and wind.
- Gloves: These should be waterproof and well-fitting to ensure optimum warmth and mobility.
- Back protector: Protects your spine and is particularly important for freestylers.
- Ski backpack: Choose a light and secure backpack (max. 20 l) so as not to restrict your freedom of movement.
- Ski boots: Your ski boots must be perfectly adapted to your foot to ensure optimum control.
- Skis: The type and binding of your skis must be professionally selected and adapted to your needs.
- Ski service: Have your skis serviced regularly to ensure the best possible performance and safety on the slopes.

Skiing together at sunrise on the Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun
Warming up and correct behavior on the slopes
Before you hit the slopes, a short warm-up is essential.
It prepares your muscles for the exertion and reduces the risk of injury.
Start your skiing day with easy runs to familiarize yourself and gradually increase the difficulty.
Avoid overestimating yourself or letting others tempt you into risky behavior.
Conclusion
By showing consideration for others, controlling your speed and realistically assessing your abilities, you can enjoy skiing safely and stress-free.
The Kaprun ski school offers you valuable support to improve your technique and better assess your ability.
With good preparation and smart decisions, nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable day of skiing in the Alps – full of fun and without unnecessary risks. What else might interest you: Ski instructor training ski courses children Photos: © Kitzsteinhorn