The Analects of Confucius contains the verse: "Without learning etiquette, one cannot stand."
Etiquette is the foundation of being human. China, as a country with a millennial tradition of being a land of etiquette, carries that image even more significantly when its citizens step abroad—their behavior represents the image of the nation. When skiing or soaking in hot springs overseas, there are also specific etiquettes to observe. Being aware of these can help you enjoy your journey even more.
By Mao Jing, reporter of New Express; intern Luo Hongyan
Skiing Section
Whether you’re a skiing novice or an expert, you must consciously adhere to the ski resort’s etiquette and rules. Being a polite skier ensures not only the safety of others but also allows you to ski with peace of mind.
1 Queue Up and Protect the Environment
During peak ski season, whether you're buying tickets, picking up gear, or waiting for the lift, you may encounter situations where you need to queue. Avoid cutting in line or complaining loudly. Sometimes, choosing to wait orderly and quietly is the best way to reduce wait times.
Environmental protection is another key consideration at ski resorts. As public spaces, to ensure the comfort of other guests and preserve the resort, those who smoke should avoid smoking freely within the resort, and under no circumstances should cigarette butts be discarded on the snow. Similarly, after snacking on energy-boosting foods, skiers should properly dispose of packaging instead of littering. Responsible skiing enthusiasts must learn to appreciate nature and protect mountain environments.
2 Choose the Right Slope and Stay Safe When Overtaking
Before skiing, understand the layout of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, and choose the appropriate one based on your skill level. Avoid choosing the wrong slope—it will not only make your run more difficult but could also cause panic or unnecessary harm to others.
While skiing, always be mindful of the environment ahead and behind you and practice yielding when necessary. Adjust your speed and style based on terrain and weather conditions. Overtaking from any direction is allowed, but the skier ahead has the right of way. Those approaching from behind must maintain a safe distance and choose a route that doesn’t endanger the skier in front. Skiers crossing the slope must check carefully before proceeding to ensure their actions don’t put themselves or others at risk.
3 Don’t Stop in Blind Spots During Breaks
If you need to take a break while skiing, avoid stopping in narrow or blind spots on the trail. Instead, choose visible areas or the sides of the slope to prevent collisions. When carrying skis or poles, do not carry them on your shoulders—they could hit others. Carry them upright and hold them properly.
In case of an accident or injury, remove your skis and plant them upside down in an “X” shape behind you on the slope. This signals to others that you are injured—preventing further collisions and allowing others to call for help or alert rescue services.
Tips
In North American and European ski resorts, if you hire a ski instructor or guide, in addition to paying the required fee, you should also tip around 15%. Also, some people try to sneak into closed trails, which can be dangerous. Never overestimate your abilities and trespass into restricted areas.
Hot Springs Section
When it comes to traveling abroad for hot spring soaking, no country rivals Japan in its love for onsen. Despite its relatively small size, Japan boasts a large number of hot springs—reportedly over 3,500 across the country. As the saying goes: soaking in hot springs promotes wellness, but etiquette comes first. To truly appreciate onsen culture, understanding the proper etiquette is essential. Only in a civilized and harmonious environment can you fully enjoy the pleasures of hot spring bathing.
A Before Entering the Bath
Due to differing customs, in countries or regions such as Japan and Korea, hot springs are usually enjoyed nude—that is, without swimsuits, underwear, or bath towels. Therefore, you must remove all clothing in the changing area and place it in baskets or lockers before entering the bathing area. Many people opt to change into a yukata (light kimono) in their hotel room beforehand for easier dressing and undressing.
In Japan, whether at communal baths or private ones, showering before entering the bath is basic etiquette. This is done to maintain the quality and hygiene of the hot spring water. It’s also because entering very hot water directly from a cold environment can be harmful to the body. Showering helps your body adjust to the temperature and aids in absorbing the minerals in the hot spring.
B While Soaking
Many hot springs prohibit photography. When entering the bath, those with long hair should tie it up. The joy of hot spring bathing lies in quietly lying in the water and letting the mineral-rich water soothe your skin. Enter the bath quietly and avoid splashing others. In smaller or less crowded open-air baths, it’s polite to greet those nearby. Avoid making noise, swimming, or playing in the bath. Do not submerge your head or scrub your body in the water, as this can affect the hygiene of the bath. Also, refrain from using soap or shampoo in the bath, as these can cause chemical reactions and leave residues that may alter the quality of the spring water.
Another important point: in Japan, hot spring bathing is nearly always done nude. In mixed-gender baths, when women are present, men should consciously avoid staring and never ogle. This is a sign of respect for women and for oneself.
C After Soaking
When leaving the hot spring, you may wrap yourself in a towel, but make sure it does not touch the water to help keep the bath clean. Also, remember to take all your belongings with you.
Additionally, depending on the type of hot spring, you may need to shower afterward. If you do shower, do not take items such as hairdryers, cosmetics, or combs out of the bathroom. Used combs should be placed in designated containers.
Tips
In Japan, individuals with tattoos are not allowed in communal hot spring baths. Tattoos are often associated with organized crime in Japanese culture, and businesses prefer not to become gathering places for such groups.