Even with good planning and safe instruction, accidents on the slopes can still happen. As a snow sports instructor, it is therefore essential to know how to respond correctly in an emergency. This guide summarizes the key steps and practical tips for handling accidents during lessons on the slopes.

🚨 What to Do in Case of an Accident Link to heading

If an accident occurs during your lesson, follow these steps:

  1. Bring the group to safety
    Move your group to a safe location first — ideally somewhere they cannot directly see the accident.

  2. Secure the accident site
    Make sure other skiers or snowboarders can clearly see the accident area and avoid it.

  3. Call for rescue if necessary
    Be ready to provide the following information:

    • Who is calling?
    • Where did the accident happen?
    • What happened?

  4. Take care of the injured person
    Stay with the injured person and look after them until the rescue team arrives.

  5. Organize help
    Hand over your group to another instructor as quickly as possible or ask for assistance from other people on the slope.

  6. Inform relevant people
    Depending on the situation, notify:

    • Parents or guardians
    • The snow sports school
    • Camp or ski club management

  7. Report the accident
    Document the incident and report it according to the organization’s procedures (e.g., to the ski school or school administration).

💊 First Aid Kit for Snow Sports Instructors Link to heading

A small emergency kit should always be part of your equipment:

  • Emergency blanket
  • Band-aids / plasters
  • Bandages or pressure bandage
  • Medical gloves
  • Sweets (for low blood sugar)
  • Tissues
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Smartphone