Episode 60: Safety First – Ski Map Symbols, Slopeside Signs, Mountain Etiquette, Emergency Numbers and More

Welcome back to the Alpine Property Podcast with Steve Thomas. Kicking off the new season, this week’s episode is all about staying safe on the slopes—essential listening for beginners, seasoned skiers, and everyone in between.

We explore everything from ski map symbols and slopeside signs, to mountain etiquette, emergency numbers, and other critical safety considerations. Plus, we introduce a featured property in this episode, highlighting a fantastic opportunity in the French Alps.

Understanding Ski Map Symbols & Slope Classifications

Whether you’re heading to the French Alps, North America, Japan, South America, Australia, or New Zealand, understanding the slope classification system is essential. In Europe, ski slopes use a colour-coded system:

• Green: Beginner-friendly, gentle slopes (5–15%), often near resort centres. Ideal for learning turns and controlling speed.
• Blue: Beginner–intermediate slopes (15–25%), smooth with slight variations in terrain. Perfect for gaining confidence.
• Red: Upper intermediate slopes (25–40%), steeper and narrower, designed for confident skiers to improve technique.
• Black: Advanced slopes (40%+), steep, often ungroomed with moguls and obstacles. Only for experienced skiers.
• Orange/Yellow: Special zones or exceptionally challenging slopes, sometimes used for fun areas or off-piste routes.

Maps and on-slope markers indicate difficulty, slope names, lengths, and lift access, helping you navigate safely and aiding emergency services if needed.

Ski Lifts & On-Mountain Navigation

Ski maps also mark lift types:

1. Surface lifts – magic carpets, T-bars, and button lifts for beginners.
2. Chairlifts – from singles to high-speed 8-seaters, forming the backbone of the network.
3. Gondolas & Cable Cars – transport passengers over long distances, e.g., the Vanoise Express, the world’s largest double-decker cable car.
4. Funiculars – steep mountain railways in select resorts, like Les Arcs or Val d’Isère.

Mountain Etiquette & Emergency Preparedness

The International Ski Federation’s 10 rules form the “highway code” for skiers and boarders:

• Respect others and control your speed.
• The skier ahead has the right of way.
• Overtake safely and give ample space.
• Look up and down the piste before entering or ascending.
• Avoid stopping in narrow or obstructed areas.
• Respect signs and markers at all times.
• Assist others in accidents and exchange contact details if involved.

In emergencies, know the resort ski patrol number or dial 112, Europe’s 24-hour emergency line. Be ready to provide your location, piste marker info, and details of the incident.

Featured Property: Samoëns, Grand Massif

In this episode, we highlight a new development in Samoëns, part of the 265km Grand Massif ski domain, just 60 minutes from Geneva.

• 41 high-end apartments (2–5 bedrooms) across 4 chalet residences.
• Sizes: 44–121m² with terraces, balconies, or gardens.
• Features: Modern kitchens, underfloor heating, wood parquet flooring, ski lockers, cave, and underground parking.
• Prices: €370,000–€990,000, with competitive €8,850/m² rates.
• Ownership: Classic freehold, optional rental with VAT reclaimable post-construction.

This resort is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, swimming, golf, and more, offering all-year appeal in a historic, picturesque village. A full video tour and property details are available in the show notes.

Property Of The Podcast:

https://www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/properties/004860/

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oCKg-WzGYQ&t=1s

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For more information, visit www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk and contact us at:

📧steve@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk

📧lesley@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk

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