February Ski Holidays - make sure you're part of the SASS!

Master Safe Accurate Skiing & Snowboarding (SASS) for an Unforgettable Ski Holiday

There's no doubt, skiing is an exhilarating winter sport that combines adventure, skill, and breathtaking landscapes - and many of us would gladly forego our summer breaks if we had to, but our wintersports holidays are sacred!

 

With the start of the February holidays looming it's more important than ever to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience on the slopes, and this requires proper technique and awareness. That’s where Safe Accurate Skiing & Snowboarding (SASS) comes in — that's what we're calling it and it's a concept that focuses on precision, control, and safety to help skiers maximize their performance while reducing risks.

 

What Is Safe Accurate Skiing & Snowboarding (SASS)?

It's  about striking the perfect balance between skill, safety and having fun.. It emphasises proper technique and smart decision-making on the slopes.

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, being safe and as accurate as you can be helps you ski/board with confidence and can minimise the risk of accidents.

The Core Principles of SASS:

1. Safety First

• The FIS Safety Code outlines ten essential rules that all skiers and snowboarders should follow, including respecting others on the slopes, controlling speed, and stopping only in safe areas. Make sure you know the rules and that the rest of your family/group do too. Test each other for fun over a hot chocolate. Often the kids outdo the parents!
• PisteXCode is another initiative that reinforces the importance of responsible skiing. It educates skiers on proper behaviour on and off the slopes, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone.
• Fjord's Mountain Mission is a charming book written for children by Caroline Elliott, a qualified rescue pisteur in the French Alps and snow safety consultant.  Her book provides helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe in the mountains.
• Follow resort rules and signage.
• Wear a helmet and appropriate ski gear.

2. Accurate Technique: Mastering the Art of the Turn

Strong skiing technique is seriously enjoyable and built on well-executed turns. Speed does not equal skill. Bad, fast, uncontrolled descents are not cool—they are dangerous - for yourself and other slope users. True enjoyment and mastery comes from good turns that prioritise safety and precision. It means you can make a turn wherever you want and wherever you may need to. It means you can enjoy the mountain and are not putting others at risk. Look at good skiers, they are almost dancing rhythmically down the mountain not trying to break some speed record on an app.

 

To ski accurately and safely:

• Think about what makes a good turn – Focus on smooth rhythmic arcs that control your speed of descent rather than abrupt or rushed movements, remember dancing!
• Observe expert skiers: There are so many fantastic skiers out there with a ton of great tips for how to improve your technique. 
  Watch professionals like Onyone ambassadors Harald Harb, Paul Lorenz, Nina Gigele, and Tom Gellie. Their precision, balance, and rhythm are the hallmarks of safe and accurate skiing - but how much fun do they look like they're having - and how cool and stylish do they look? Solid technique will give you the confidence to enjoy your winter holidays even more! Some notable Onyone ambassadors who demonstrate SAS principles include:
  • Harald Harb – An iconic ski instructor and founder of the PMTS (Primary Movements Teaching System).
  • Paul Lorenz – A renowned ski coach known for his technical expertise and precise skiing technique.
  • Nina Gigele – A high-level ski instructor and athlete who promotes safe and efficient skiing.
  • Tom Gellie – A professional skier recognized for his smooth, controlled turns and focus on ski accuracy.
• Have a plan to improve – If you get the chance it's always good to seek out great instructors and spend some time working on getting better. ESF (École du Ski Français) – France’s largest ski school, offers lessons for all levels. BASS (British Alpine Ski School) is an English-speaking ski school known for its high-quality instruction. We cannot name all the ski schools in each resort. We recommend getting some professional guidance if you can. Think of it like getting a dance lesson from John Travolta!

By developing proper turning skills, you’ll gain more control, reduce fatigue, and enjoy skiing safely at a high level.

3. Smart Decision-Making

• Choose the right runs for your skill level.
• Adjust your speed based on slope conditions.
• Be mindful of weather changes and visibility.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning your first ski trip or refining your skills, embracing Safe Accurate Skiing will seriously enhance your time on the slopes. We guarantee you will have a lot more fun!

Stay safe, ski smart, and enjoy the mountains!