Mountain Rules You Might Not Know (But Really Should)

Skiing in France feels like total freedom - soaring down open pistes, hopping onto lifts with ease (most of the time!), and even the option to go off-piste almost anywhere. But that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. The mountains are wild, beautiful, and at times dangerous and there are rules designed to protect both you and others.

Here are a few lesser-known mountain laws and slope-side dos and don’ts that every skier and snowboarder should know.

In France, there’s no law stopping you from heading off-piste - but the risk is entirely yours. Mountain safety services advise that while freedom is great, it comes with responsibility. After all, avalanches don’t care whether you meant well.

There are no formal speed limits on pistes, but you can be held legally responsible if your skiing is considered reckless. The “Code de la Glisse” recommends adapting your speed to your ability, visibility, and slope conditions. Think of it as the Highway Code - but colder and with more Lycra.

Throwing anything - from sweet wrappers to cigarettes - on the slopes can earn you a fine of up to €1,500. Resorts are cracking down. In Les Gets, smoking was banned across the ski area, with a €22 fine for lighting up.

A cheeky vin chaud at lunch? Sure. But if you’re swaying down the slopes and cause an accident, you could be breathalysed and fined - or worse, prosecuted for endangering others. Alcohol and altitude don’t mix.

That innocent little swap with your mate could cost you. If you're caught using someone else’s pass (or letting someone use yours), the fine is five times the daily rate. Resorts check. Don’t risk it.

The mountains might feel like a playground, but it’s one with rules - some written, some common sense. Stay savvy, ski safely and if in doubt, check with ski patrol or resort staff before you find out the hard way.

For more tips on staying safe and considerate on the slopes, check out our Piste X Code and Ski Slope Etiquette blogs. From essential mountain rules to piste behaviour, they’re packed with advice to help you enjoy every run responsibly.