How Safe Is It To Ski Or Snowboard?

Sadly a number of recent high profile skiing accidents have raised the question of how safe skiing is. If you have concerns read on to see what the statistics really are and what you can do to stay safe on the slopes.

Over the recent years there have sadly been a number of high profile injuries and deaths whilst people have been skiing. This has led to many believing that the sport is ‘dangerous’ and that parents should reconsider if their children should take up the sport.

But what are the statistics? How dangerous really is skiing and snowboarding? Using data supplied by ski-injury.com and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, ski safety is measured by dividing the number of injuries or deaths by the total number of skier/boarder days and then multiplying by a thousand. Using this measurement, alpine skiing carries an injury risk of about 2 injuries per 1000 skier days. For snowboarding the rate is slightly higher, between 3 and 5 injuries per 1000 boarder days. For the USA the figures are much lower, one death for every 2.5 million skier days.

What factors influence ski injuries?

A number of factors can be said to have influenced ski injuries today. Knee injuries are on the decrease, maybe due to better bindings, but leg fractures, shoulder injuries and head injuries have risen. This could be due to overcrowded pistes, poor snow conditions and the effect of artificial snow which is not as forgiving as the natural stuff.

Ski equipment developments however also mean that we ski and board faster than ever. Many skiers would be surprised to know that, even if they ski at an intermediate level, they can clock speeds up to 30mph whilst more advanced skiers on a red or black run can reach a staggering 60mph. Collisions with other skiers or boarders whilst travelling at these speeds will undoubtedly cause injury.

What can you do to keep safe on the slopes?

Wear a helmet. There is no hard evidence that wearing a helmet will limit a head injury but knowing the speeds you can travel on the snow, why would you not? Even a minor bump on your head could be serious, so wearing a helmet has to be a sensible option.
Don’t ski or board whilst over the limit! Alcohol undoubtedly relaxes you and affects your judgement so try not to overdo it. It may also affect your insurance policy, as some hospitals are now breathalysing skiers and boarders as they arrive in hospital.
Be careful of terrain parks. According to research by ski-injury.com snow park injuries for snowboarders were very likely to be severe in nature with joint dislocations and head, spine and chest injuries. One of the main reasons for this is the height at which many of the jumps are set. They are fun but be aware of the dangers. It is also essential that you wear a helmet and spine protector in a terrain park.
Be fit! Many skiers and boarders embark on a ski holiday with little body preparation before they go. Do follow a fitness exercise regime before you go to ensure that your body can cope with the onslaught.
Off piste. Never go off piste unless you have a guide with you. It is also essential that you carry safety equipment with you including avalanche equipment and shovels. And finally, try to never ski off piste alone.

So, whilst the statistics would indicate that for every 1000 people skiing on a particular day less than 3 skiers will sustain an injury, do be careful. A few simple things like wearing a helmet and ensuring that you are fit before you ski could really help and ultimately save your life.

By Will Smith