Improve your French wherever you are in the world with our online courses

Piste X Code: an important initiative created in Morzine, active in Chamonix and across the Alps

Piste X Code is an important initiative created in Morzine by Amie Henderson and Louise Paley, which is also actively promoted in Chamonix and across the Alps.

The Piste X Code aims to make us all more considerate on the mountain, to help avoid accidents and to keep skiers and snowboarders safe on the pistes. This community initiative is supported by local businesses including Alpine French School Morzine & Chamonix.

Like Alpine French School, Piste X Code is present in several resorts across the French Alps including Morzine and Chamonix.

The Piste X Code consists of 8 simple mountain rules:

1. SKI AND SNOWBOARD WITHIN YOUR ABILITY
Control your speed, avoid other mountain users.

2. CONSIDER YOUR CHOICE OF PATH
The downhill skier or snowboarder always has the right of way. It’s your responsibility to avoid them. Leave space while passing.

3. THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU’LL STOP
Always at the side of the piste, never in the middle! And never beneath the brow of a hill.

4. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Look up and down the slope before you set off or re-join the piste.

5. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR CHILDREN
Teach children about piste safety and the importance of the Piste X Code.

6. RESPECT PISTE SIGNS AND MARKINGS
If a piste is closed, it’s closed for your safety. Watch for signs advising you to slow down.

7. YOUR ROLE IF THERE’S AN ACCIDENT
You are duty bound to assist. Cross your skis upright in the snow above the incident and call 112.

8. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
Be sensible with your alcohol consumption, don’t listen to music on the pistes and never use ski apps that challenge your speed

Visit the Piste X Code website for more information!

Morzine mountain view on our Learn French France immersion course

November 6th, 2025
Activities Things to do

Discover Morzine in November

When most people think of Morzine, they imagine bustling slopes, après-ski, and winter sports. But November is a hidden gem in the Portes du Soleil, offering a quieter, charming, and surprisingly lively experience—long before the ski lifts start turning. If you’re visiting before the snow hits, here’s why November in…

November 1st, 2025
Chamonix Things to do in Chamonix

November in Chamonix

Though the winter crowds haven’t yet arrived in full force, the valley is still very much alive — with the golden hues of late autumn, crisp mountain air, and the first hints of snow on the higher peaks. It’s a wonderful time for walks, reflective vistas and fewer crowds. Many…

October 9th, 2025
Activities Courses Intensive Courses

Learn French While Skiing

Learn French While Skiing: The Ultimate French Language & Ski Holiday in the Alps If you dream of combining a winter adventure in the Alps with improving your French, our French and Ski programme at Alpine French School is the perfect solution. Imagine spending your mornings learning French in small,…

September 25th, 2025
Activities Chamonix

October in Chamonix: Science, Sports & a Spooky Twist

As summer’s bustle fades, October transforms Chamonix into a calmer, colourful haven. Autumn brings golden forests, crisp mountain air, and a slower rhythm in the valley — but the month is full of surprises: cultural festivals, science events, sports, French courses, and Halloween fun. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What’s on & special events…