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Alpine French School Morzine & Chamonix support the Piste X Code

Alpine French School Morzine & Chamonix is a proud supporter of Piste X Code.

Piste X Code was created in 2022 by Amie Henderson and Louise Paley after they observed several tragedies on the ski slopes. They felt that many of these accidents are unavoidable and they set out on a mission to educate skiers on the rules of the pistes and to create safer pistes for everyone to enjoy.

Most skiers aren’t aware that piste rules exist. Apart from the odd sign on a piste, the rules aren’t widely available or visible to skiers on the mountain.

The Piste X Code is a set of 8 simple rules:

1. Ski/Snowboard within your ability – Control your speed at all times and do everything you can to avoid colliding with others.

2. Consider your choice of path – Downhill users have the right of way. Choose your line so you give them enough space when passing.

3. Think about where you’ll stop – Always stop at the side of the piste, never in the middle or just over a crest.

4. Be aware of your surroundings – Check uphill and downhill before starting or rejoining a piste.

5. Be a good example for children – Teach them the importance of piste safety and the Piste X Code principles.

6. Respect piste signs and markings – Closed pistes are closed for safety; heed signs that instruct slowing or caution.

7. Know your role in an accident – You’re duty‑bound to assist! Cross your skis upright above the incident and call emergency services (e.g. 112 in Europe).

8. Be sensible with distractions – Avoid excessive alcohol, don’t listen to music on the piste, and skip any speed-challenge apps.

Alpine French School welcomes skiers to Morzine and Chamonix to learn or improve their French year-round. The students that come in the winter enjoy skiing and we encourage them to ski safely and respect the rules of the Piste X Code.

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