11/01/2023
Downhill Skiing Safety ⛷️❄️🎿
I just returned from 2 week skiing holiday in the Alps.
Downhill skiing is a popular, fun and exhilarating pastime. However, it is considered a high-risk sport, with 2-4 serious injuries per 1000 skiing days.
The major cause of downhill skiing injury is falls (73%), followed by collisions with objects or people (18%).
One- third of all injuries are to the knee and lower leg, particularly ACL and MCL ruptures, which often require surgery. Other common skiing injuries are shoulder and wrist fractures and dislocations and head concussion.
With such statistics and many injured friends, I was really paranoid about injuring myself and even had thoughts of skipping skiing altogether.
How can we make downhill skiing a safer activity and prevent injuries?
1. Take skiing lessons.
If you are a beginner or haven’t been on the slopes for a few seasons, please consider taking a few private or group classes. You will learn the correct technique, skiers’ etiquette and build your confidence.
2. Have the right kit.
Use a reputable rental shop if you are hiring equipment. Equipment needs to be maintained and serviced regularly. Skiis and boots have to be measured according to your height and skill level. Properly adjusted ski bindings have the potential to prevent lower limb injuries. Always wear a helmet to protect your head.
3. Only ski on marked runs suited to your ski level.
Be aware of the grading of the ski runs. If you are not an advanced skier, stick to green and blue runs.
Do not ski alone or go off piste.
Do not ski in poor visibility conditions.
Make sure you can control your speed, turns and know how to stop anytime.
Do not ski when you are very tired. Most injuries happen in late afternoon, when you are trying to squeeze in that one more run, lose concentration and make mistakes.
I believe skiing can be an enjoyable and reasonably safe activity if you follow the rules and don’t take unnecessary risks.
I was so conservative on the slopes this time that I only had one tiny fall when the run got too steep for me.🫣
But now I am happy to be back to teaching and practicing yoga and other sports, and I am not ruling out more skiing trips in the future.