Four Tips for Preventing Injuries While Skiing

Skiing is a fun sport that can provide exercise and entertainment for people of almost any age. There are the smooth, long runs, for those who just want to get out and enjoy the winter, and there are the terrain parks and extreme terrain runs for those who crave the rush of adrenaline that comes with a challenge. However, no matter what type of skiing one is intending, it is still a potentially dangerous sport. It is important to be proactive about preventing skiing injuries. Preventing skiing injuries can be as simple as being realistic.

Not everyone is an Olympic level skier, nor should everyone try to be. If one has never been skiing before, start with the bunny slopes and work up from there, don't start with the expert runs and end up needing rescue by the ski patrol. If one's muscles are not allowing one the turning radius he or she wants, move to an easier run rather than forcing the issue, or simply stop for the day. The mountain will still be there tomorrow.

Having the right equipment is very important in preventing skiing injuries. This includes more than just getting fitted for the right size skis and boots, although that is considerably more complicated than picking out a new set of tennis shoes and should be done by a professional if one has never skied before. Especially on high-altitude ski slopes where the tops of the runs are above the tree line, there can be twenty degrees difference in temperature between the start and the end of a run. It is important to layer clothing and remember to protect any exposed skin with sunscreen. Sunburns can occur just as easily in the winter as in the summer, especially if the sun is reflecting off the snow.

Following the mountain directions appropriately will also help in preventing skiing injuries. If a run is marked off, it is probably for a very good reason, so go down another way. Know how to load and unload the lifts before attempting to get on them; while falling off two feet from the loading zone might simply be a little embarrassing, taking a tumble from twenty feet up would be considerably worse. When in doubt about any posted restrictions, ask a ski patrol member. They are generally even more interested in preventing skiing injuries than the people out skiing for fun.

While on the mountain, it is important to be alert. If a person comes up from behind screaming-which does happen-get out of the way. It doesn't matter than the person downhill should have right of way if the person coming down behind him doesn't know how to turn. Posted signs make it clear that people should not stop where they cannot be seen from above, but that is another thing that still happens, so slowing when approaching a blind turn is a good idea. In addition, despite the fact that most ski resorts try and clearly mark runs by difficulty level, there are always the potential for unmarked obstacles. The first time down an unknown run is better done slowly. Racing can start after one is familiar with the terrain.

Sources:

About.com Skiing
Nordic Track Ski Machine