February often feels like a long month. The weather has not quite brightened for spring and is often still chilly in the morning and evening. To get through these long days, many families look forward to spring break vacation and, perhaps, a ski trip with friends and family.

To help prepare you for such a trip, we have written some etiquette rules for skiers. If you are one of the many people planning a ski vacation for spring break, it is worth brushing up on your ski etiquette before you go.

Following the rules of etiquette not only makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone, it can save you from being banned from the mountain and forfeiting the cost of your lift ticket, ski rental, and so on.

These top etiquette guidelines will help set you on the right path to a fabulous skiing experience:

Follow the Rules Set by the Ski Hill

Of course, common sense suggests that you must follow the rules – including respecting any closed runs or out-of-bound areas. Not only is it unwise and dangerous not to do so, but you could be required to pay for the costs of a rescue team if you run into any problems, and you may be ineligible for any insurance benefits if you are injured.

Before heading out to the slopes, be sure you know the rules. Ignorance will not be accepted as a defence if you are caught or run into problems.

Look up, Look Down

If you fall and are in decent shape (i.e. not injured), make sure you IMMEDIATELY look up the hill to make sure no one is heading for you, then rotate your body and skis underneath you and prepare to get up.

When you are skiing down, you are responsible for the people below you so keep an eye on them as you pass to do it safely.

Stay in Control

If you are new to skiing, take lessons so you are comfortable with the basics and can control your speed, avoid obstructions (including other skiers), and stop when required. Lessons will also help you get on and off lifts safely.

If you are an experienced skier, be respectful of others who are less experienced than you, especially on beginner or intermediate runs. When passing, allow a wide berth and don’t turn sharply in front of other skiers when you pass them.

Ski on Runs that Match Your Ability

If you are a beginner skier, don’t try to impress your friends by skiing a black diamond run. It is dangerous both to you and other skiers on the hill. As an experienced skier, you may ski an easier run, but adjust your skiing to be respectful of the less experienced skiers on the run.

Slow your speed appropriately and allow extra space when passing other skiers.

Move Out of the Way to Avoid Delaying Others

Whether you are getting off a ski lift or need to stop on the hill, move out of the way of others coming behind you. Let your chair partner know which way you plan to disembark so you don’t collide as you get off the chair. If you need to adjust your equipment or put on gloves after you get off the lift, wait until you are out of the way of the next person disembarking before doing so.

And, although it is the responsibility of the people behind to avoid people and obstructions ahead of them, stopping suddenly to answer a phone or adjust your equipment, can result in a serious accident. If you need to stop, slow down, check behind you, and move to the side before stopping.

Ride Gondolas and Ski Lifts Safely

When on a gondola or ski lift, do not intentionally rock the chair. Although this may seem like innocent fun to you, for many others including young children who may also be on the lift, it can be extremely frightening. Excessive rocking may also disrupt the system and delay your ascent to the top of the hill.

Be Courteous in Lines

As much as we all hate waiting, it is part of the skiing experience. Expect to wait in lines for tickets, lifts, and food.

While waiting, be respectful of other people nearby. Don’t push or cut in line and keep your conversations suitable for public places.

Don’t discuss personal or private issues, keep the volume at a conversational level, and don’t use foul language. This applies whether you are talking to someone in-person or on a cell phone.

Take Your Rubbish (Trash) with You

If you pack a lunch or snack to eat on the hill, be sure to take any remains or wrappers with you when you’re done. Burying your waste in the snow might hide it for the moment, but come spring it will cause a mess on the mountain.

Don’t assume that food wastes will decompose; many items take much longer to decompose than you might think.

Be Considerate of Others in Your Group

If you are skiing with others, make arrangements for meeting and take a phone or walkie-talkie in case you are delayed. If you are skiing together with a slower skier, adjust your speed to theirs.

If you are skiing with someone who becomes injured, stay with them until help arrives. Place skis in an upright “X” to alert the ski patrol that help is needed. Never leave an injured skier alone on the mountain while you go for help. Remember the “buddy system” and stay together.

Take Opportunities to Meet New People

People travel from all over the world to ski different mountains and you can meet some interesting people if you make the effort. When riding lifts and gondolas, turn off your iPod and talk to the people around you. If you are waiting for a lift and the person in front of you is alone, share a seat with them and use the opportunity to start up a conversation rather than holding up the line waiting for an empty seat.

Slope manners can make skiing and boarding a more enjoyable and safer experience for everyone. Keep these tips in mind the next time your hit the slopes.

Happy skiing!