Signage on the ski slopes
The signage on the ski slopes, which is essential for the safety of skiers, must be kept in perfect condition by the operators of the lifts.
Ski area managers are responsible for setting up appropriate signage on the slopes. During the descent, various signs can be encountered, starting with those that determine the color of the slope, thus indicating the level of difficulty and allowing skiers to choose the route that best suits their abilities.
Article 5 of Legislative Decree no. 40/2021, entitled "Marking of slopes according to the degree of difficulty", provides as follows:
1. The slopes are classified by the managers according to the degree of difficulty:
a) Blue: easy slopes with longitudinal slopes not exceeding 25%, except for short stretches, and without significant transverse slopes.
b) Red: intermediate slopes with longitudinal gradients of no more than 40%, except for short sections, with significant transverse gradients allowed only for short distances.
c) Black colour: difficult slopes with longitudinal or transverse slopes of more than 40%.
2. All ungroomed slopes are considered difficult and must be marked in black at the beginning of the route.
In addition, paragraph 5 of the same article provides that "Near the ticket offices and access points to the perching facilities, the managers shall place a map of the alpine and cross-country ski slopes and other snow sports with an indication of the route and its degree of difficulty based on paragraph 1".
Paying attention to warning signs, typically triangular with a yellow background, is essential; these may indicate the presence of bumps, bumps or intersections. In ski areas, especially larger ones, it is also advisable to observe information and directional signs indicating how to reach a village, directions to a slope, a ski lift, a snowboarder area or a winter walking path.
Prohibition signs are equally crucial for safety; They can signal a closed slope or prohibit access by toboggan or on foot. Accidents are sometimes due to inattention to such signs. In any case, it is advisable to take out an insurance policy that covers, in addition to civil liability (mandatory), also medical expenses and accidents.
