What do the flag colours mean in ski mountaineering?
B · Beginner · On the track · 3 of 3Flags tell athletes how to move: green means skis with skins on and heels free, yellow means on foot with skis on the backpack and red means skiing down without skins, boots locked. Every change happens inside a transition area, with poles placed on the ground first. Skins not in use must be stowed in the suit or backpack.
How it works
- Green flags: skins on, bindings in climbing mode.
- Yellow flags: on foot, skis on the backpack.
- Red flags: no skins, bindings and boots locked for descent.
- Transition area: entry and exit lines, both part of the area.
- Poles: placed on the ground before starting; not thrown.
- Staying put: the athlete stays in one place during the change.
- Skins: in the suit or backpack, never in the hand after the change.
- Wrong mode: 3 minutes or 30 seconds.
The glossary has the flag colours (ski mountaineering), the skins, the transition area, the foot section, the penalty scales (ski mountaineering) and the race checkpoint.
Tricky cases
A skin falls off and is not picked up. Penalty?
Yes. Losing a skin counts as missing equipment: 3 minutes or 30 seconds.
Can an athlete fix the rear binding after leaving the area?
Yes. Clicking in the rear of the binding and pole straps may be done outside.
A pole touches the snow outside the area. Penalty?
No.
An athlete's boot buckle breaks on a descent. Penalty?
No, if the broken kit is shown at equipment control.
Why the rule exists
Clear modes keep athletes from damaging the track or skiing down unsafely. Fixed transition areas keep a crowd of athletes in one controlled place.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Long races | Transition violation 3 minutes | 27.2 C.14 |
| Short races | Transition violation 30 seconds | 27.2 C.14 |
| Team races | Partners leave the area together | 26.4.15 |
From the rule book
ISMF, Rules & Guidelines, version 2026-2027, rules 24.2.3, 26.4.1, 26.4.5 to 26.4.7 and 27.2 B.5, C.7, C.10, C.13, C.14 and C.23. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the ISMF Rules & Guidelines 2026-2027.