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Ski pistes are their domain. Their commitment is at maximum level. Those who do not respect the rules on the pistes are their opponents. Who are ski patrollers?
This is the first of our series of interviews with inspiring people who do important and usually exhaustive work in ski resorts. They are often invisible and it’s also thanks to them that everything works seamlessly in resorts. They oversee the compliance with the piste rules and safety, support the visitors and help them enjoy their time in resorts more.
What does a day of a ski patrol look like?
At 7:00 a.m. we set out from Biela Púť. We take a cable car to Mt Chopok and from there, before the pistes are open, we check if there are any obstacles on them, such as fallen trees after strong winds, or if there are any rocks sticking out, and so on. So we check the pistes, and if they’re skiable, we mark them as skiable, so that the resort can open fully at 8:30 a.m.”
Jakub Lubellan, ski patrol member
Piste rules (so-called White Code)
The White Code is a set of rules specifying how to behave on ski pistes in order to ensure safety. By adhering to the piste rules, skiers prevent injuries of themselves and others and contribute to a pleasant atmosphere on the pistes. Among other things, the ski patrol monitor how the piste rules are respected. The main points of the as White Code are:
- Consideration for others. Every skier/snowboarder must behave in a way that does not endanger the life, health, or property of others.
- Control of speed and manner of skiing. Skiers/snowboarders must adjust their speed and manner of skiing to their abilities and the terrain.
- Choice of direction. Skiers/snowboarders must choose their direction of movement so as not to endanger skiers in front of them. Every skier skiing behind another skier must maintain a sufficient distance.
- Overtaking. Overtaking is permitted to the right or left while keeping a safe distance.
- Entering a trail and moving off after stopping. Every skier/snowboarder entering a trail or moving off after stopping must look around and give way to skiers and snowboarders coming from above.
- Stopping and standing. Skiers must not stop unnecessarily on ski pistes and stand in narrowed and poorly visible areas.
- Ascent and descent. Individuals walking up and down a piste must use the edge of the piste.
- Respecting signs and instructions. Every skier must adhere to the signs and markings on ski pistes.
- Providing assistance. In the event of an injury on a ski piste, every skier is obliged to provide assistance according to their abilities and capabilities and to report the injury to the competent authorities.
- Safety of ski equipment. Skiers may only use ski equipment in such a condition which is guaranteed to be safe by the manufacturer.
