99TravelSafe.com
79 – Skiing and Snowboarding Safety and Precautions!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
TAKE lessons from a qualified skiing or snowboarding instructor. Learning proper technique from a trained professional is paramount.
Studies show that the high level skiers have fewer injuries. A SKI INSTRUCTOR will help you advance through the novice levels more quickly!
Even advanced skiers can benefit from professional instructors.
NEVER ski or snowboard alone!
Be in shape before you get to the top of the mountain. Poor fitness and conditioning are major contributing factors of ski injuries!
Prepare MONTHS BEFORE your planned ski trip with a good strengthening and conditioning program!
Check equipment every year for fitness and maintenance!
BINDINGS should be checked annually by a QUALIFIED technician. Properly adjusted ski bindings, based on your weight, height, and level of expertise, can significantly reduce your chances of ski injury!
With regard to eye-wear, SKI GOGGLES provide your eyes with the best protection. They improve visualization by reducing the glare and wind. They provide mechanical protection against projectile debris and snow. More importantly, goggles protect against harmful ultraviolet light. Use a lens that has a UV light protection rating!
When selecting a BOOT, comfort and proper fit is important. When testing the boot in the store, keep the boot tightly buckled while walking about simulating skiing motions for as long as possible!
FATIGUE is a major factor contributing to ski injuries. Skiing requires finely coordinated sustained muscle contractions.
Skiing TIRED is potentially DANGEROUS!
Make sure you are in CONTROL of your SPEED! Many injuries result from a LOSS of control. Stunts and fatigue also lead to injuries!
Always wear a helmet with side vents that allow you to HEAR!
When snowboarding, wear wrist guards to reduce the risk of wrist injury!
Dress safely. Wear brightly-colored clothing with warm hats and mittens.
Be very careful on the chair lift, failure to do so has resulted in many ski injuries, mainly to the knee. Often these injuries occur when someone STEPS on the BACK of your ski. By trapping your ski, this results in a backward twisting fall which is a common mechanism for knee injuries!
If you ride on quad chairs, it is best to sit on the OUTER seats. By occupying the center seat, you must avoid two people rather than one when disembarking!
Conventional snow SKIERS should AVOID riding the chair lifts with SNOWBOARDERS!
Avoid icy hills. The risk of falls and injuries INCREASES in icy conditions!
Watch out for OTHER skiers and snowboarders, as well as any other obstacles, on the slopes!
STAY in designated areas and on MARKED trails!
With LESSONS from a certified instructor, it's okay for your children to snowboard; however, their coordination is NOT fully developed until age 10 years!
If you have FALLEN, certain maneuvers are potentially dangerous and can lead to knee ligament injuries;
-- Attempting to get UP while still moving after a fall
-- Attempting a recovery from an OFF-balanced position!
-- Attempting to sit down after losing control
A profile has been recognized when these situations occur;
-- Uphill arm is back.
-- Skier is off-balance to the rear.
-- Uphill ski is un-weighted.
-- Hips fall below the knees.
You are ADVISED to;
-- Place your arms FORWARD!
-- Skis together.
-- Hands OVER skis.
Do NOT fully straighten your legs when you fall, keep them flexed!
Do NOT try to get UP until you STOP sliding!
Always remember to;
-- Only ski on slopes that are right for your skill level - NOT on very difficult slopes!
-- Be aware of others - Give skiers in front of you the right of way!
-- Practice falling on a soft surface or grass - Crouch down and land on your butt or shoulder - Roll down your back instead of breaking your fall with your arm!.
-- Wear a helmet designed for skiing, ski goggles, and a hat and gloves - Make sure your boots fit properly and bindings are adjusted correctly!
-- Apply sunscreen and wear ski goggles that fit properly with your helmet.
-- Check the weather and snow conditions before you go. Let someone know where you are going and take your phone and emergency contact numbers!
-- Beginners should take a lesson to learn how to fall and get back up - Experienced skiers should take a refresher course!
-- NEVER ski alone!
-- Keep off CLOSED trails and out of CLOSED areas. Always stay on MARKED TRAILS.
-- Read and obey ALL signs, warnings, and hazard markings!
-- Know how to load, ride, and unload LIFTS safely.
-- Use SKIS with brakes or a SNOWBOARD with a leash!
-- Dress properly - Wear layers of clothing, a hat or headband, and a helmet liner.
-- Warm-up and stretch before you start!
-- Dehydration can make you feel tired! So hydrate!
-- Know the signs of a CONCUSSION which is a brain injury that can be caused by a fall or crash!
-- Always carry a cell phone so you can call for help in an emergency!