Stay Safe on the Slopes

3) Take some lessons

Even if you have been skiing before, it's always a good idea to refresh your skills. In addition to excellent beginner sessions, many Austrian ski resorts offer ski comeback courses to ensure you get back to the slopes safely.

4) Keep track of the weather

Most Austrian hotels will have a daily weather report available at reception, but if unsure, ask. If you get caught by changing weather, call it a day rather than wait until it's too late. Despite avalanche risk assessment, there is always a chance of unexpected avalanches in snowbound areas. If you are skiing off-piste, never go alone, take an avalanche pole, a transceiver or a shovel and - most importantly - a professional guide.

7) Ski helmets are obligatory in parts of Austria

In some Austrian provinces (SalzburgerLand, Upper and Lower Austria, Styria, Burgenland, Vienna and Carinthia) young skiers till the age of 15 must wear a ski helmet while on the slopes. Tirol and Vorarlberg do not have such statutory regulations. In both provinces a public recommendation for wearing a ski helmet has only been made. However, the amount of winter sport enthusiasts wearing a helmet amongst young skiers and adults is significantly increasing. Don't have your own helmet? Ski helmets can be rented from ski schools and ski rental shops throughout Austria.