Skiing Safety Rules

Follow these rules and enjoy without danger

It is the responsibility of each user to know and respect the Skier’s Rules which, among other behaviors, require:

  • Always use your helmet.
  • When overtaking on the slope, the skier ahead has the right of way.
  • Enter the lift gates with your face uncovered.
  • Stay hydrated throughout your stay.
  • Ensure you have the right equipment in the best condition.
  • Always keep your skis or snowboard under control; you should be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  • If you stop on the slope, try not to do it in blind spots or places that hinder other skiers’ passage.
  • Always ensure you have enough space to maneuver.
  • When turning, make sure no one is coming to avoid accidents.
  • Control your speed and trajectory, always using brake devices to help prevent equipment loss.
  • Avoid separating from your team; if you do, move along the sides of the slope.
  • Respect the slope signage
  • Follow the instructions and warnings of the Center’s staff and ski patrols.
  • Report every time you witness or are responsible for an accident.
  • Respect your level, the lifts, and the slopes.
  • Care for and respect the mountain.

Remember that you are above 3,000 MASL, so staying hydrated is crucial.

Card or Pass Blocking Causes

Temporary

  • Double access to the lift
  • Covering the face or obstructing the gate cameras
  • Violating the skier’s regulation and Valle Nevado’s safety rules
  • Using someone else’s Valle Plus card by mistake

Permanent

  • Using, gifting, renting, or reselling the ticket
  • Using a ticket of a different category than the user’s age
  • Violations of the ticket use and safety rules
  • Using someone else’s tickets or season passes

Off-piste

Attention!

The off-piste area is not prepared, marked, signposted, controlled, or protected against inherent mountain and snow dangers, such as avalanches, cliffs, rocks, and crevices. It is a mistake to think that carrying the right equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and Airbag) is enough to keep you safe off-piste. All that equipment is essential and must always be carried when going off-piste. But it’s not enough, and certainly not sufficient to enter terrain that may not be safe.

The risk of skiing off-piste is real, and you could die.

Ski responsibly. Get informed, trained, and practice self-safety and self-care:

  • Know your own abilities and capabilities. Ski within your limits. No one knows your limit better than yourself.
  • Always ski with a companion, descend one at a time, pay attention to your companions’ descent and work as a team. Your companions are your best chance for a quick and timely rescue.
  • Study the terrain before starting. Inspect the terrain and understand the weather conditions, orientation, and slope of the hillside, as well as snow conditions.
  • Pay attention to the weather forecast and new snowfalls. Most avalanches happen while it’s snowing or during the 24 hours following the snowfall.
  • Use safety equipment properly. Familiarize yourself with the use of your equipment (Avalanche Beacon, Shovel, Probe, and Airbag) and keep it in optimal condition.
  • Have a plan. Agree with your companions on the plan to follow, meeting points, spacing between skiers; as well as safety or escape routes.
  • Review the “what ifs?”. Study possible risks or difficulties and establish action plans before starting the descent. Do not expose yourself to unnecessary risks.
  • Know and ask the locals. They are already familiar with the terrain, its possible risks, and difficulties.

To learn more about Off-Piste Skiing, the necessary equipment, and its proper use; Approach our Ski & Snowboard School, where you can learn everything necessary, from certified instructors of the highest level.