Skiing with Awareness: The Code Every Skier Should Know

The Mountains: A Place of Joy, Not Fear

There’s something magical about stepping onto the slopes - fresh snow, crisp mountain air, and that rush of excitement as you navigate your way down. Skiing is meant to be a joy-filled experience, but for many of us, it's become an exercise in vigilance. Instead of enjoying the mountains, we’re constantly scanning for out-of-control skiers, dodging people who seem to have no regard for those around them.

Unfortunately, this isn’t just a feeling - it’s a reality. Year after year, we hear more reports of serious collisions, some with devastating consequences. And in January 2022, tragedy struck in the French Alps when a little girl lost her life after being hit by a reckless skier. That heart-breaking incident led to the creation of Piste X Code, a much-needed campaign to bring awareness to mountain safety and remind people of the simple but essential rules that keep us all safe.

When I heard about Louise and Amie’s mission, I knew I had to be involved.

Why Piste X Code Matters

Piste X Code isn’t about policing the mountains or stopping people from having fun - it’s about education and respect. Many skiers and snowboarders either don’t know or have forgotten the basic safety rules that allow everyone to enjoy the slopes safely.

The 10 FIS Rules of Conduct exist for a reason. They are as fundamental to skiing as the highway code is to driving, yet how many people truly know them?

Piste X Code’s message is simple: Know the Code. Ski with Respect. Stay in Control.

Why I Became an Ambassador

As a mindset coach, I work with skiers who have lost their confidence, often due to past falls or injuries. But the biggest cause of fear? Other people. Clients tell me time and again that it’s not their own ability they worry about - it’s the unpredictable skiers around them.

And as a mother of a young skier, this issue is even closer to home. Watching my daughter on the slopes should be a proud and joyful experience, not one filled with stress and anxiety about whether someone will come flying into her.

I reached the point where I was fed up complaining about the state of skiing today. Instead of just venting my frustration to whoever would listen, I decided to do something about it.

By joining Piste X Code, I want to help spread the message that safety is not optional. The mountains belong to everyone, and it’s up to us to protect them - and each other.

How You Can Help

If you love skiing, care about mountain safety, and want to see a change, here’s how you can get involved:

1️⃣ Learn the Code – If you haven’t read the FIS rules lately, now’s the time. It’s the ski world’s equivalent of “look left and right before crossing the road.”
2️⃣ Share the Message – Follow Piste X Code on social media, talk about it with friends, and encourage ski schools, resorts, and tour operators to prioritise safety education.
3️⃣ Lead by Example – Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, be aware of your surroundings and ski in control.

This is just the beginning, but together, we can make skiing safer and bring the joy back to the mountains.

For more information visit www.pistexcode.org.