SKI-RUNNING ETIQUETTE.
Introductions are very informal on the snow.
You may ask anybody for advice, and be certain of receiving a polite answer, provided that you yourself are polite, and that your question is not idiotic.
If you contemplate joining a touring party, you should ask somebody who is going, and who has already made a tour with you, whether you are likely to be welcome. If he hesitates, don’t go. If he assents, go by all means, even though you may be doubtful whether you are up to the work in hand.
You should not instantly rush to the assistance of a lady who may have fallen. Do not let your gallantry get the better of your common sense.
In Norway ladies put on their own ski, and manage their own bindings, and it is not good manners to offer to assist them. Would that the custom extended to Switzerland!
However amusing your conversation may be, you should refrain from chattering during a long climb. Not everybody’s wind or everybody’s temper is perfect.
You will not add to your popularity on tour by continually accepting hospitality at the hands of others, especially if your water-bottle be small, and you carry no repairing outfit.
You should pay up punctually, and without demur, to the man who finances a touring party; it is at least ten to one that he is out of pocket, anyway.
It is a gross breach of manners to tread on the back of another man’s ski. You should at once apologise and fall back five yards.
You should not come plumping over a jump which others have been at some pains to construct, without first asking their leave, and it is always your solemn duty to repair as well as possible any damage you may occasion to the track.
Unless you are really a very good runner, it is better not to imitate too closely the Norwegian style of dress. People may be disappointed.
Always be polite in your dealings with foreigners, and you will seldom have cause to complain of their want of manners.