Skiing in Austria? Safety Tips for 2026

For skiers, Austria ends up making an appearance on the snow-sports bucket list regularly.

There's Arlberg, Wilder Kaiser, Silvretta Montafon, and so many other world-class resorts. Towns like Tirol, Salzburgerland, and Vorarlberg are famous for them.

Every skier knows that safety is probably the most important thing to think about when prepping and planning for your trip.

There are a few things that you should know before you plan your trip, get your travel insurance, book your resort, and check your skis. For instance, there are safety recommendations from the US government, as well as some rules you'll likely need to follow.

We're here to share all of it.

The International Ski Federation Guidelines

You'll find that, generally speaking, ski resorts in Austria follow the International Ski Federation (FIS) guidelines. These guidelines include a code of conduct with 10 safety rules skiers are expected to follow.

It's very important that you follow these guidelines. One, they're often mandatory at ski resorts. Two, if an accident happens, while these rules aren't law, they can be referred to during judicial processes. They're considered the gold standard of skiing safety.

We'll go through each of the rules in the FIS Code of Conduct here.

1. Have respect for others

No matter what you're doing on the slopes, you must have respect for the people around you, regardless of who they are. This means you cannot endanger others or have prejudices.

Whether someone is skiing, walking, a child, a senior, a beginner, or a pro, you must show the same courtesy to everyone.

2. Be thoughtful of your speed

You shouldn't go faster than you can handle. You should always feel in control at the speed you are going. On top of that, your speed should be taking the entire environment into consideration.

The weather, the terrain/landscape, and whether others are around you should all be factored into the speed that you're going.

3. Choose the best route possible

If you're passing other skiers or snowboarders on the trail, you need to make sure you choose the best route - one that won't put anyone ahead of you in danger.

4. Be careful when passing

When you're passing by someone, you're allowed to pass on either the right or the left. What is most important is that you leave enough space between yourself and who you're passing. The rule says that the person you're passing needs to have enough room to make voluntary and even involuntary motions.

5. Look both ways when entering and moving up

When entering the trail, moving up it, or starting to go, make sure you look both ways and that the path is clear before you step food (or board) onto the trail.

6. Don't stop on the piste

It's very important that you don't stop on the piste (the ski/snowboarding trail itself). Other skiers might be coming down quickly behind you, without time to stop.

You should only stop if it is absolutely necessary, and even still, step off of the piste as much as possible.

The same is true if you fall or crash - make sure you get off of the piste as soon as possible.

7. Walking

If you need to walk at any point, whether it's because it's steep, you're tired, or injured, make sure you do not walk on the piste. Walk to the side of it at all times.

8. Follow the printed signs

Skiers and snowboarders need to follow any printed signs or rules.

9. Be ready to assist

If there is an accident or someone needs help, you should help to the best of your ability. The code of conduct explicitly states, "At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist."

10. Exchanging information

If there is an accident involving multiple people, all parties involved have to exchange their names and addresses. This includes those who were witnesses.

Your resort may have terms, conditions, and policies

FIS rules are usually standard practice at ski resorts, but there could be more, additional, or varying guidelines depending on where you're staying.

Keep an eye out for any other rules when you sign any terms and conditions.

If you sign any terms and conditions or waivers without fully understanding what you're agreeing to, it could cause issues later on if you get into an accident or something occurs.

Take out a sports travel insurance guarantee

Anyone planning a ski trip abroad should take out a travel insurance policy.

In some cases, it's even mandatory. For instance, Schengen visa applicants must hold valid Schengen travel insurance. If you're traveling with a group or an organization, they might also require you to take one out as part of their internal policies. Even if it isn't mandatory, it's a good idea - but make sure you choose one that offers Sports coverage.

Nobody wants to think about it, but it's possible to get lost on the slopes, especially in remote, mountainous areas.

Should you get lost, sports guarantees usually cover search and rescue. The weather can change quickly at higher elevations, and the nights get extremely frigid. If you get lost, every minute counts.

Travel insurance also gives emergency medical coverage. Say you get into a severe accident and need emergency medical attention, or even a life flight, evacuation, or repatriation, travel insurance covers this. To what extent depends on the policy that you buy.

All travel insurance policies have medical emergency guarantees, but they vary from plan to plan. Not all travel insurance policies have sports coverage, so make sure you choose one that includes it.

As with all travel insurance, make sure that the policy covers you in Austria, and also read the terms and conditions so you're aware of exclusions. For instance, events, races, and professional activities may be excluded.

Follow government guidelines

Whether you're from the US, UK, or anywhere else, check your government's official travel website. They'll offer warnings and advice about your destination.

Some helpful guides:

Information on Austria from the US Government.

Austria travel advice from the UK Government.

Travel advice & advisories for Austria from the Canadian Government.

There's a lot of helpful information, from entry requirements like Austrian visas to safety advice.

Be aware of altitude

Many parts of Austria are high-altitude, especially mountainous areas that are attractive to skiers. The US government, for instance, warns travelers to learn about the symptoms of altitude sickness ahead of time.

Monitor road conditions

Any time of year, but particularly in the winter, roads can be quite dangerous due to ice, snow, and even avalanches. Depending on which province you're in, you may be required to have chains on your tires if you're renting a car.

Make sure you're paying attention to traffic information and what the current road conditions are. There is an English-channel that gives updates: FM4.

Use established companies

If you're booking an excursion or other kind of event or tour, the UK government advises all travelers to use reputable, established companies.

Before you book anything with a company, make sure you read their reviews and policies.

Be properly equipped

When you're going out on the trails, make sure that you have:

• Adequate clothing for the weather and environment.
• A GPS watch/other GPS in case you get turned around.
• A way to communicate with others (phone, etc.).
• A map and a compass, should you get lost.

The UK government recommends that anyone skiing in Austria carry all of these things on them.