Common Ski Accidents and Ways to Avoid Them

A ski accident can ruin your ski vacation and can lessen your enthusiasm.

According to statistics compiled by the U.S. National Ski Areas Association, an average of just over 40 people lose their lives on the slopes as a result of accidents in skiing and snowboarding every year in the United States alone.

That is why, preparing yourself and knowing some ski accidents prevention, is vital.

Collisions
It is very essential to be aware all the time of your surroundings to avoid colliding from other skiers having their downhill run.

According to Skier Responsibility Code, skiers and snowboarders ahead of you have the right of way and it is your responsibility to avoid them.

Moreover, colliding with other skiers or with still objects is primarily caused by skiing out of control and going at speed so far to fast.

Second, collision happens because skiers usually fail to obey the basic rule: always look uphill before setting off.

To avoid:

Always look uphill before setting off. Remember, it's your responsibility to be aware of your immediate surroundings and especially looking uphill.

When doing a downhill run, slow down. Whether a beginner or a skilled skier, slow down a little if there are many skiers around.

Always wear helmet. Wearing helmet prevents a skier from brain damage, which is a result from banging your head with other skiers or objects.

Ski within your ability level. If you are a beginner, make sure to ski at the prepared runs of your chosen ski vacation destinations.

Knee Injuries
The twisting of the knee while skiing can lead to medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain or torn ligaments, which is the most common type of all knee injuries.

This is as a result from the excessive force applied to the knee joints from fall, skis crossing, or the stance widening while in the snow plow position.

To prevent:

Correct your binding by choosing the exact ski binding setting for your height, weight and ability.
Check your binding alignment or have professional adjust it.
Condition your body by doing some workout before skiing.

Off-Piste and Avalanche Safety

Being buried in avalanche happens rarely to recreational skiers provided that they stay within the ropes and do not venture in backcountry without guide.

But according to American-born avalanche expert Henry Schniewind, people can't be stopped from going off-piste, so it is important to help them recognize the dangers.

To avoid avalanche and off-pistes dangers, never go on an off-piste skiing without any guide. If you do, wear an avalanche transceiver. This emits an electronic signal that will help rescuers to find you beneath the snow during search and rescue.

In addition, to survive in avalanche is to not get caught in one. If you are caught, try to traverse out of its path.


Are you going to throw away this ultimate experience? No. So, stay safe and have fun in your ski vacation!

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