Safety rules

Accident Prevention Work in ALF

Although the scope and risk of injuries in alpine resorts are very limited, accidents are no less tragic for those affected. Every accident is therefore one too many. This is the overarching principle guiding our work on ski safety.

Safety in Lifts
Regarding lift transport, the Norwegian Railway Authority (Statens Jernbanetilsyn, SJT) supervises all cable cars and ski lifts in Norway.

Safety on the Slopes
Alpine resorts are responsible for ensuring that visitors can descend safely and avoid injury. However, it is important to emphasize that skiers themselves are also responsible for avoiding harm to themselves or others by adjusting their skiing according to the 10 International Ski Code rules. ALF’s alpine safety rules are based on these and were last revised in 2016.
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB) is the supervisory authority and monitors the safety work of alpine resorts.

Causes of Injuries and Preventive Work
Our injury investigations show that the majority of accidents are due to the skier themselves.
Most accidents are associated with personal falls. Causes include faulty equipment, inadequate skills, poor physical condition, and, importantly, clear disregard for the 10 Alpine Safety Rules. Injury statistics show that only a small percentage of injuries result from collisions with objects, an area where the resort may potentially be involved in discussions of contributory causes.
Based on this, ALF divides its accident prevention work into two main areas:

1. Awareness-raising measures directed at the public to address the primary cause of injuries.
2. Measures aimed at resorts to make them safer.

Awareness-Raising Measures for the Public
Free Helmet Loans
Studies in Hemsedal have estimated that many head injuries could have been avoided or less severe if helmets had been worn.
In collaboration with Gjensidige, ALF has distributed thousands of helmets for free loan at Norwegian ski resorts, amounting to hundreds of thousands of “helmet days.” Other insurance companies also contribute positively, and many resorts have purchased helmets themselves. In several resorts, children under 7 ski for free when wearing helmets.
Surveys show that 85% of skiers wear helmets.
Ski Safety on Alpine Slopes
Another important preventive measure is providing information about and monitoring the 10 international Ski Code rules. Following these rules could significantly reduce injuries.
The Alpine Safety Rules also give ski patrols the best basis for controlling slopes. ALF has developed safety signs for terrain parks. We also recommend members ensure that snowboarders use proper leash attachment, secured to the knee and long enough to attach the board when carried.

Measures Targeted at Resorts
Safety Plans
In 1992, ALF developed a template for a Safety Plan in alpine resorts, a key tool in injury prevention. The plan maps all slopes so that all injuries can be registered by location, providing a basis for preventive measures based on site, frequency, and type of injuries. All safety measures must also be mapped. We regularly remind member resorts of the importance of having a Safety Plan.

Responsibility and Safety on Slopes
ALF has created a booklet titled “Responsibility and Safety on Slopes”, detailing the responsibilities of both skiers and resort owners in marked slope areas, as well as safety measures required off-piste.
Internal Control System for Slopes
ALF has developed an internal control system for slopes with ongoing risk assessment as the basis for preventive measures.
Safety During Training and Races
ALF has published a booklet to improve safety in this area, outlining the responsibilities of resort owners, trainers, and race organizers, and the measures needed to prevent accidents and injuries.
Ski Patrol Courses
ALF has long provided training courses for ski patrol personnel. Ski patrol duties include both accident management and prevention. The preventive aspect has become increasingly important. The course content now includes securing, marking, and padding slopes—critical parts of resort safety work.
Avalanche Rescue Plans
Since rapid action is critical in saving lives, resorts must begin search efforts immediately while waiting for additional rescue personnel. Based on course experience, ALF has developed suggested content for an avalanche rescue plan.
Responsibility for Off-Piste Skiing
Off-piste responsibility is covered in ALF’s booklet “Responsibility and Safety on Slopes.”
Avalanche Warning System
In collaboration with NVE (Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate), a system for avalanche warnings (risk scale) has been developed.
Technical Training
ALF has developed written maintenance and inspection routines for lift operations to ensure proper follow-up. Annual courses are held for operations managers and documented training for grooming machine operators. SJT oversees operations manager examinations.
Recommended Safety Guidelines
ALF members have access to recommended guidelines, internal control systems, and safety management guides to operate according to industry recommendations and regulations.
Safety Committee
ALF has a dedicated Ski Safety Committee that continuously works on issues related to safety in alpine resorts.

Conclusion
The purpose of injury prevention work is to reduce the number of accidents. We have a clear moral responsibility to prevent human suffering, and safe resorts are also the best way to promote alpine skiing.
Alpine skiing inherently involves speed, excitement, and challenges at various levels, and therefore always carries some risk. Since eliminating risk entirely would remove the essence of alpine skiing, a certain level of risk must be accepted.

The skier is best positioned to control this risk. Skiers must be trained to take responsibility for their skiing in relation to themselves and others. Industry preventive measures or new rules and monitoring alone are not sufficient to prevent injuries in alpine skiing in the future.