Guide to ski etiquette
New to the mountain? Wondering if there are any specific dos and don’ts to remember while you’re out there? Spoiler alert: there are a few! Don’t worry, though – MONTEC’s got you covered. Check out our guide to getting acquainted with ski etiquette.
If you’re new to the mountain, it helps to understand the unwritten rules that keep everyone safe and stoked. Certain small gestures make a big difference – from controlling your speed to giving other riders space in lift lines.
In fact, by respecting each other and the environment, you lessen your chances of injury, keep tempers cool, and fit right into the mountain community. So read on and get ready for the best time — our top tips will help you stay safe, make best friends, and enjoy every lap to its fullest. Oh, and don’t forget to gear up with our latest collection.
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12 mountain etiquette tips
Always stay in control
Remember to look uphill
Give people space
Respect other people’s gear
Avoid stopping in bad spots
Stop straight-lining blue trails
Never skip the lift line
Don’t duck ropes
Take your litter with you
Avoid smoking around others
Don’t throw drinks
Try not to cuss
1. Always stay in control
Staying in control is the difference between carving like a pro down the fall line and unintentionally bowling over fellow skiers and boarders. So, watch your speed, keep an eye on the slope, and make your turns accordingly. If conditions change — maybe it’s suddenly icier or busier, for example — dial it back so you don’t end up with any surprise wipeouts.
Of course, remaining in control also means knowing your limits. Don’t feel pressured to bomb a steep black if you’re more comfortable cruising a mellow blue. Remember, no one’s keeping score, and confident, controlled riding is safer — and more fun — for everyone on the mountain. Yourself included.
2. Remember to look uphill
Before merging onto a slope or making a sudden traverse, take a moment to glance uphill. You’ll see who’s zipping toward you and gauge the best time to move without cutting them off. Think of it like merging onto a highway — it’d be crazy to close your eyes and swerve into traffic, right? So why do it on the mountain?
A quick uphill check is one of the simplest yet most important habits you can develop. It shows respect for others’ space and ensures your own safety, too. Plus, if you see a crew member coming, you can time your re-entry to catch up and ride together.
3. Give people space
Tailgating isn’t cool on the road, and it’s not cool on the slopes. If someone’s carving ahead of you, leave a decent gap so they can turn without worrying about a collision. This is especially key in crowded areas where riders might turn unpredictably or on cat tracks.
Everyone has different comfort zones, levels of control, and styles. If you notice someone’s a bit wobbly, back off a little. Giving people space isn’t just polite — it ensures you can react if they suddenly stop, turn, or take a tumble. Remember: safety first – speed second.
4. Respect other people’s gear
Accidentally knocking over a board or scraping your skis against someone’s brand-new topsheet is a quick way to lose friends on the slopes. Instead, mind your space in lift lines, and when you stash your equipment on racks, keep it neat to avoid unnecessary dings or scratches.
Treat others’ stuff with the same care you’d want. Even if you’re rushing, take a second to be mindful — no one wants to find a mysterious gouge on their shiny new skis. If you do bump a fellow rider’s gear, a simple “sorry” can go a long way.
5. Avoid stopping in bad spots
Imagine you come around a corner, ready to flow into your next turn, and boom — someone’s parked right in the middle of a narrow choke. Not cool, right? So, if you need a break, pull to the side of the slope where you’re visible and not in anyone’s way. That’s one of the golden rules of riding.
On top of that, stopping in blind spots — like just beneath a drop, behind a tree, over a roller, or in a landing — is a recipe for collisions. You’ll spook other skiers and snowboarders and risk getting taken out by someone who can’t see you. Stay safe, remain in plain sight, and find a clear space before you take a load off.
6. Stop straight-lining blue trails
Sure, blasting down a trail at top speed can feel exhilarating. But doing it on a mellow blue filled with families and slower riders is a recipe for chaos. If you’re after speed, pick a trail rated for your level or above. This is where people expect a faster pace and have room to move.
Straight-lining a beginner slope or the bunny hill can scare newcomers and raise the risk of collisions. So, check your speed and carve a few turns. It’s not just about courtesy. It’s about making sure everyone — kids, learners, and seasoned riders — can share the trails safely and happily.
7. Never skip the lift line
We’ve all seen someone try to stealthily slide into a lift line by ducking a rope. Trust us, people notice, and it’s an instant way to sour the mood. Instead, wait your turn, be patient, and you’ll be on the lift before you know it.
Lift lines move faster when everyone follows the system. If you’re with a large group, fill in the gaps politely, and if a pair or single needs a spot, wave them in. It’s a small act of courtesy that means the day flows smoothly for all riders on the mountain.
8. Don’t duck rope
Ropes and boundary markers aren’t there to ruin your fun. They’re there to protect you from hidden cliffs, avalanche-prone areas, or terrain that’s not patrolled. If you spot a rope, resist the temptation to go off the beaten track unless you’re absolutely sure it’s allowed.
Ducking ropes can also get your pass pulled. And nobody wants to lose their ability to ride for the sake of a few extra turns. Instead, stick to open, marked terrain — or go with a certified guide if you’re keen on backcountry exploration. Playing by the rules keeps the mountain safe and enjoyable for everyone.
9. Take your litter with you
Nothing screams entitled jerkwad like leaving candy wrappers or empty bottles behind in the snow. If you love riding, you probably love the mountains, right? So do them a favor by respecting their natural beauty, leaving only your tracks, and helping keep the slopes clean.
It might seem small, but every bit of trash can affect wildlife and the environment. So, let’s make sure these mountains stay pristine. That means tucking your rubbish away in a pocket or backpack until you find a trash can. If you see someone else’s litter, consider picking it up, too.
10. Avoid smoking around others
Mountain air is some of the freshest on this planet. So, don’t taint it by lighting up in crowded lift lines or on busy terraces. If you must smoke, find somewhere away from others and be mindful of which way the wind is blowing. Nobody wants a faceful of smoke mid-turn.
Even if it’s legal, people don’t necessarily want to smell or breathe it in. This goes doubly for kids. Parents and instructors would rather not have kids exposed to unwanted fumes – and knowing that is just good manners. The mountains are huge, so find a quiet spot if you want a smoke. And no, that doesn’t mean when you’re riding the lift.
11. Don’t throw drinks
We get it — après can get a bit rowdy. But launching drinks into the air or at your crew is a surefire way to ruin another rider’s gear. You never know – that fellow skier you’ve just soaked might have spent serious cash on their jacket. Beer-drenched skis or boards caked in sticky cocktails aren’t a fun cleanup, either. So, keep the party vibes high without making a mess of others’ belongings.
If you’re feeling celebratory, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the moment without an impromptu shower of your favorite drink. Trust us – everyone will appreciate it, and the good times will roll in a more civilized style.
12. Try not to cuss
Mountain life is all about positivity. You’ll kill the vibe fast if you drop a stream of expletives on a family-packed chairlift or in a tight lift line. Remember that kids and other folks are within earshot, and nobody wants their day overshadowed by harsh language echoing across the slopes.
Express excitement all you like — just do it without swearing. Using friendly words instead helps maintain the uplifting, communal spirit that makes skiing holidays so memorable.
Wrapping up
Skiing is all about community, and others are just as deserving of the best time as you are. So, remember to keep in control, give people space, and avoid anything that disrupts the magic of the mountain. Now that you know these unwritten rules, you can stay safe, show respect, and embrace the alpine spirit in the best possible way. You’ll fit in perfectly.
Think we nailed this or missed something obvious? Hit us up at crew@montecwear.com and let us know!
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