Safety on the Slopes – Tips for Parents with Children
Why Safety Comes First
Skiing is a fantastic sport for the entire family, but like any sport, it carries certain risks. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your child is safe on the slopes. The good news is that most injuries can be easily prevented by following a few simple rules and proper preparation.
In the High Tatras, hundreds of skiers are injured every year, a significant portion of whom are children. The most common causes of injuries are: inappropriate speed, skiing on trails above ability level, inadequate equipment, and fatigue. All of these causes are preventable.
Required Gear – Helmet and Beyond
In Slovakia, wearing a helmet on the slopes is required by law for children under 15. However, we recommend a helmet for every skier regardless of age. A proper helmet must:
- Fit snugly on the head with no forward-backward or side-to-side movement
- Have a functional fastening mechanism
- Be certified according to the relevant standard (CE EN 1077)
- Show no visible damage (check the helmet after every significant fall)
In addition to a helmet, we recommend ski goggles (protection from sun, wind, and snow), back protectors (especially for children who ski faster), and quality gloves (protection from cold and finger injuries).
Slope Conduct Rules – The FIS 10 Rules
The International Ski Federation (FIS) established 10 rules of conduct on slopes that every skier should know:
- Respect for others – behave in a way that does not endanger others
- Speed control – ski at a speed appropriate to your ability and conditions
- Choice of route – the skier above must respect the skier below
- Overtaking – with sufficient distance from all sides
- Entering a trail – look up and down before joining a trail
- Stopping – do not stop in blind spots or narrow sections
- Climbing and descending on foot – only along the edge of the trail
- Signs and signals – respect all markings and signals
- Assistance in accidents – obligation to provide help
- Identification – obligation to identify yourself in case of an accident
Teach these rules to your children as well – ideally through games, such as quizzes or role-playing.
Choosing the Right Trail for Children
One of the most important safety factors is choosing the right trail. A child should never ski on a trail above their ability level. Here is a general guide:
- Green/practice meadow – complete beginners, first attempts (Jakubkova Meadow)
- Blue trail – children who can already make turns and brake
- Red trail – advanced children with good technique
- Black trail – experts only, not recommended for children
At Jakubkova Meadow in Starý Smokovec you will find ideal conditions for the youngest skiers. For more advanced children, the lower part of Tatranská Lomnica in the Buková zone is suitable.
The Role of a Professional Instructor
The best investment in your child's safety is a professional instructor. A certified instructor does not just teach proper technique but also safe slope behavior – where to ski, where to stop, how to avoid collisions.
At Premiere Ski School, all our instructors are APUL certified and have extensive experience teaching children. Private lessons from €44 for 60 minutes are the most effective path to safe skiing. The instructor has your child under constant supervision and immediately corrects dangerous habits.
Do not neglect safety – it is the foundation that ensures skiing is a joy for your family rather than a source of stress. Proper equipment, the right trail, appropriate speed, and a professional instructor – that is the recipe for safe and happy skiing in the High Tatras. Also read our article What to Wear for Skiing. The school is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.