Persons who are planning on going skiing or snowboarding anytime soon must take certain precautions to ensure that the threat of an injury is minimal. Unfortunately, there is one thing that is beyond even a professional skier’s control, and that’s the weather.
Depending on the type of snow you’re going to be navigating and the type of environment you find yourself in, you could be exposing yourself to an increased injury rate by doing no more than skiing down the mountain. A new report offers some hints about how the weather plays a role in safety, and understanding the information available is critical to injury prevention.
Temperature is the first thing you’re going to need to pay attention to. When it comes to skiing, nothing less than 30 degrees will suffice. When it gets any warmer than that, that hard-packed snow that you rely on to carry you past otherwise bumpy terrain begins to break apart, transitioning to slush beneath your feet. Not only could you suddenly be exposed to an obstacle hidden by the snow, but your ability to make quick movements will be compromised due to the lack of purchase.
On the other hand, there’s also an injury danger posed when snow gives way to ice. Not only can ice be harder to navigate on, but if you do suffer a fall, striking the ground is going to be a far more painful experience than if you were to fall on a relatively soft cushion of snow.
These circumstances can certainly contribute to their share of injuries, but skiers have a part to play as well. The report notes the opinion of one doctor who explains that the majority of fatal injuries happen not to newbies unversed in how to ski but to those with a little bit of skill who go too fast on an intermediate slope.
Reaching high speeds leaves one privy to a slew of injuries if they end up colliding with a solid object or even another skier. If you strike your head or your back, the injury could prove fatal or you may end up paralyzed. Even if you manage to escape one of these life-altering injuries, even a simple fall while going at speed can open your body up to a sprained or broken wrist or ankle or a tear of the ACL.
By keeping your speed in check and respecting the rights of fellow skiers, you can have the safest trip possible. Ski within your abilities, sticking to those slopes that you know you’re capable of navigating. Leave ample space between yourself and others, and if the weather is not conducive to safe skiing, consider postponing your trip to another day.
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