SAFE Cross-Country Skiing
Tips and advice for your safety when cross-country skiing
As a health and nature sport, cross-country skiing offers great opportunities for fitness, adventure and community. The following recommendations serve to make cross-country skiing safer, nature-friendly and conflict-free.
FIS rules of behaviour
Every cross-country skier must behave in such a way that no one else is endangered or harmed.
Observe the information signs:
Markings and signals (information signs) must always be observed. On the respective cross-country ski trails and pistes, you must ski in the direction indicated and using the appropriate technique.
Keep Right – Even on the Cross-Country Ski Trail
On double or multi-lane trails, always keep to the right-hand side. This rule also applies on skating lanes for the free technique. Groups must ski in single file on the right-hand side.
Overtake cross-country skiers with caution
Cross-country skiers may be overtaken on either the right or the left. Those in front are not obliged to give way, but should do so if it can be done safely.
Give way and give way:
When approaching others, every skier must keep to the right and give way to descending cross-country skiers.
Keep poles close to your body:
Poles must be kept close to the body when overtaking, being overtaken and when meeting others
Assess your speed appropriately:
Every cross-country skier must adjust their speed and behaviour to suit the terrain, trail conditions, visibility, and traffic – especially on downhill sections. A safe distance must be maintained from the skier in front, and if necessary, you must slow down or drop back to avoid a collision.
Avoid accidents:
If you stop or fall, move off the trail or clear it as quickly as possible.
Provide first aid:
Everyone is obliged to provide assistance in the event of an accident.
Data disclosure:
Whether a witness or a person involved in an accident - everyone must provide their details in the event of an accident.
Equipment checklist
- Cross-country skis
- Cross-country ski boots
- Cross-country skiing trousers
- Cross-country skiing gloves
- Water bottle on the hip belt or small rucksack and energy bar
- Sun cream
- Mobile phone
- Cross-country poles (length varies depending on cross-country skiing style)
- Cross-country jacket and/or waistcoat (breathable with windstopper would be ideal)
- Functional underwear
- Headband/cap
- Sunglasses
- Tissues
The right equipment for the cross-country ski trail.
Difficulty classifications
Easy trails are predominantly flat, with uphill and downhill sections not exceeding a gradient of 10% – except for short stretches in open terrain. Downhill sections on trails for the classic technique must be manageable throughout without requiring the skier to actively change direction. These trails are marked in BLUE.
Moderately difficult trails run mainly through undulating terrain, with uphill and downhill sections not exceeding a gradient of 20% – except for short stretches in open terrain. Downhill sections on trails for the classic technique may include bends that require the skier to actively change direction. These trails are marked in RED.
Difficult trails feature uphill and downhill sections with gradients that exceed the maximum allowed for moderately difficult trails. These trails are marked in BLACK.
Cross-country skiing guidance system
The trail guidance system helps with orientation along the route. Please stick to the designated types of use!
Categorisation according to type of use
- Trail for Classic Technique: A trail prepared and groomed for classic cross-country skiing, suitable for flat terrain as well as uphill and downhill sections that can be skied in a straight line. Downhill sections that require a change of direction are only permitted where they do not pose a risk to skiers. Except on uphill and downhill sections, classic trails must be used in running style with parallel ski guidance. Note: This type of trail is also referred to as a “cross-country skiing trail”.
- Free Technique Trail: A groomed trail that may be used with any skiing technique. Note: Free technique trails are open to all styles.
Behaviour in the natural landscape
Dogs
Dogs are perceived as a threat by wild animals and should be kept on a lead - this also prevents problems with other winter sports enthusiasts.
We also ask you to use dog waste bags and not to leave them lying around, but to throw them in the nearest rubbish bin.
Rubbish
Nature is a precious resource – and rubbish has no place in it. Please use the designated bins and take your litter back down into the valley with you. Otherwise, it will still be there when you return.
How long does the waste lie on the mountain - rotting times at a glance
- Banana peel: 1-3 years
- Chewing gum: 5 years
- Tin cans: 50-100 years
- Plastic bottle 100-5,000 years
- Aluminium can: 400-600 years
- Glass bottle: 4,000-50,000 years - not measurable
- Paper tissues: 1-5 years
- Cigarette butts: 2-7 years
- Battery: 100-1,000 years (+chemicals, heavy metals)
- Plastic bag: 120-1,000 years
- Baby nappy, sanitary napkin: 500-800 years
- Styrofoam: 6,000 years - not measurable
Please note that the information provided on safety on the mountain is exclusively recommendations from the Wilder Kaiser Tourist Board. All information is subject to change without notice.