Rules of the Slopes: A Simple Guide for Little Skiers

Rules of the Slopes: A Simple Guide for Little Skiers

Skiing is great fun, but knowing the basic rules of the slopes is essential – especially for children.

Before your next ski holiday, make sure your little skier understands these simple rules.

What do the piste colours mean?

Piste colours show how difficult a ski run is. The exact grading can vary between resorts, but across Europe you will generally see:

🟢 Green – Beginner

The easiest slopes, designed for beginners.

Green runs are usually gentle and wide, making them ideal for children learning to stop, turn and control their speed.

Best for: First-time skiers and beginners.

🔵 Blue – Easy

Blue runs are slightly steeper and more challenging than green runs, but are still suitable for beginners who have developed some confidence.

Best for: Children who can confidently stop, turn and control their speed.

🔴 Red – Intermediate

Red runs are steeper and can be narrower, faster and more technically demanding.

Children should only move onto red runs when they are comfortable skiing blue runs and can control their speed and direction.

Best for: Confident intermediate skiers.

⚫ Black – Advanced

Black runs are the most challenging marked pistes. They can be very steep, narrow, icy or uneven.

Best for: Experienced and advanced skiers.

Remember: piste colours can vary between resorts, so always check the local piste map and follow your ski instructor's advice.  Did you know Americans don't have red slopes? Classified as Black Diamond or Double Black Diamond!

The 7 basic rules every child should know

1. Stay in control

Ski at a speed you can safely control and stop at.

If you can't stop, you're going too fast.

2. Give other skiers space

The skier in front of you has priority.

If you're skiing behind someone, it's your responsibility to avoid them. Don't ski too close or suddenly cut across their path.

3. Look before you set off

Before starting from a stop, joining a piste or crossing a slope, look uphill and downhill to make sure it's safe.

4. Stop at the side

Never stop in the middle of a piste, particularly below a blind corner or over a crest.

If you need a break, move to the side where other skiers can see you.

5. Follow the signs

Closed pistes, warning signs, barriers and piste markings are there for a reason.

If a run is closed, don't ski it.

6. Don't ski beyond your ability

A harder run isn't necessarily a better run.

If your child isn't confident on a particular piste, choose an easier route. It's much better to ski a blue confidently than struggle down a red.

7. Know what to do if someone falls

Falls happen. If your child falls, they should move to the side of the piste as soon as it is safe to do so.

If someone else has an accident and needs help, tell a ski instructor, piste patrol or lift operator.

A simple rule for little skiers

If your child only remembers five things, make them these:

Control your speed.
Give people space.
Look before you set off.
Stop at the side.
Follow the signs.

These simple habits will help keep your child – and everyone else on the mountain – safer.

One last tip

Don't rush through the piste colours. Your child doesn't need to move from green to blue to red just because they're on holiday.

Choose the run that matches their ability and the conditions on the day.

Happy skiing! ⛷️