Learn ski etiquette with Hong Kong Olympian Audrey King

Learning the unspoken rules of a new sport can take time. Sometimes, you may not even be aware that certain courtesies exist in a sport you’ve been playing awhile. On the other hand, you may have found yourself on the opposite end of the spectrum, witnessing (perhaps with a twinge of irritation) others improperly re-racking weights or running on the wrong side of the track. 

For situations like these, Hong Kong Olympian Audrey King offers her approach, applicable even outside of her sport: being empathetic. 

The skier, who represented Hong Kong in the 2022 Winter Olympics, says she’d love to see the sport grow, and that puts the onus on more experienced skiers to develop an inviting community. “I think sometimes the ski world can be too critical about beginner skiers. The thing is, everyone is learning.

“If you’re a good skier, help grow the sport – make it an inclusive and welcoming space.”

It’s advice that will certainly help beginners and seasoned slope enthusiasts (re)adapt to the fast pace of the slopes this upcoming ski season, though non-skiers will likely also find value in adopting a similar spirit in their day-to-day activities.

In anticipation of the winter sports season, we asked King, who’s now retired from professional skiing but continues to ski recreationally, to share her knowledge on ski etiquette. 

Ski etiquette tips for beginners

“If you’re a beginner skier, stay with people who know the mountain and go with them on harder slopes. If you don’t have people to follow, stick to the slopes you feel more comfortable with,” King says.

She recommends beginners start with the lowest difficulty slopes such as bunny hills – which are the most comfortable runs for learning – or green runs, before moving onto the harder reds and blacks once you have enough experience.

“It’s safer for you and everyone else on the slope.”

Safety is a big reason for ski etiquette 

Many rules on the mountain are designed to uphold skiers' safety – such as the person further down the mountain always having right of way.

“If you’re skiing behind somebody, it’s your responsibility to avoid them, even if they’re making big turns across the mountain… you’re the one who can see,” King says. She adds that you should manage your speed around other skiers, especially towards the bottom of the mountain where it tends to be more crowded. 

However, if you’re planning to traverse or cross the mountain to get to another run, King advises checking your surroundings to make sure you’re not cutting off anyone skiing down from above.

Another good practice is not stopping immediately after a bump in the hill, as skiers uphill won’t be able to see you or stop in time to avoid you.

Those conscious of safety should also consider purchasing the Chubb Premier Travel Cover, which provides medical and personal accident coverage abroad, and can be purchased as an add-on to your flight booking this winter. As a bonus, you’ll earn unlimited miles at HKD1 = 1 with your policy premium. This insurance also covers recreational activities on your travels including skiing, so you can rest assured this coming season as you approach the slopes – though make sure to stick to the trails, as off-piste skiing isn’t covered.*

Be aware and compassionate

Comparing skiing to walking on the street, King describes how simply paying attention to your surroundings goes a long way. That includes observing hillside signs that say “SLOW”, as well as the people around you.

“There’s a natural choreography to the way we walk in a city, and we don’t want to be bumping into people. It’s the same with skiing, you’re out there trying to have fun.” 

She adds that more experienced skiers shouldn’t be shy about extending a helping hand and keeping an eye out for fellow skiers, even if not everyone follows the rules. “If you see someone struggling – they fell, for instance – and you have the ability to help them, just stop and help. I think it’s important to keep skiing friendly and make sure everyone’s having fun out there.”

Recalling how she used to race with her brother down crowded slopes and get annoyed at people making “big U’s across the mountain” which would block the way down, King has since come to terms with it. “That’s just a part of learning. Everyone’s going to be [doing it] when they’re just starting out.”

She has harsher words regarding her pet peeve – “bombing straight down the hill completely unaware of anyone else, knowing what they’re doing is dangerous.” 

She adds, “It’s a pretty reckless thing to do.” 

Ski lifts

When it comes to boarding the ski lift, King acknowledges that more inexperienced skiers may struggle, and that lift operators should step in to help. This is also when she calls on the ski community to be more welcoming to everyone. 

“There’s no real etiquette in terms of getting on chair lifts... sometimes beginners can struggle to get on chair lifts, in which case the “liftie” should slow the chair down for them. I think that people should just be more open.”

King maintains her compassionate spirit when she speaks of helping the next generation of female skiers take on the slopes. “Skiing in Hong Kong, racing especially, is not a big sport but it’s cool to see [it] – especially women’s [skiing] – growing so much.

“If [the younger skiers] ask for advice, I say racing is hard. You have off days. I try to let them know bad days are there for a reason and that they’ll get better because of it.” 

She finishes: “When you’re young, it’s important to have fun every single day when you’re training and racing, because that’s how you’re going to improve.”

*1. Terms and conditions apply.

2. The above information is for reference only. Please refer to the Policy Wording for the exact coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

3. The above insurance plan is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Hong Kong Limited (“Chubb”). Cathay Pacific Airways is an insurance agency (License No.: FA3522) authorised by Chubb for the distribution of general insurance products in HKSAR. Chubb reserves the right of final approval.