Top 11 Skiing Safety Tips
Micheal Schumacher a 7 time Formula 1 Motorsports Champion hit his head while skiing and has been in a coma ever since. Much loved British actress Natasha Richardson died in 2009 from blunt force trauma after falling while skiing at Quebec's Mont Tremblant. Schumacher wore a helmet, was supremely fit, yet he made a mistake. The point is you have to pay attention. To every aspect of safety. Wearing a helmet alone is not enough. Take a total approach to safety. Here are some safety trips that could avoid trouble or at the very least minimize the risk of injury and avoid death.
Don’t Drink and Ski - As with driving, this rule is paramount. You could injure yourself and others. Being intoxicated in the cold can be especially deadly. Alcohol causes a decrease in body core temperature and increases the risk of hypothermia. So if your drank heavily at the ski party the night before it could affect your skiing. Alcohol remain in your system from 24-48 hours and sometimes even longer, up to 80 hours.
Exercise - Workout year around. A fit person is less likely to get injured. A good combination of cardio and weight lifting is essential as you need both strength as well as breathing performance. It also means good food too. Carbs are good idea for skiing. Avoid slow digesting food like fatty food. Focus on carbs, lean protein and and plenty of vegetables. It takes energy to ski.
Use good ski equipment. If it all possible buy high quality equipment especially ski boots which should be property fitted and the bindings properly adjusted. They will stand the test of time and have good resale value. If you are not buying, rent from a good ski shop or the ski resort.
Wear a helmet. Wearing protective headgear while skiing makes good sense. The most important tip for all parents and guardians is to give a child no choice but to wear a helmet.
Prepare for the weather. Layer your clothing, use a Helmet liner or at least a hat, or a headband. Wear gloves or mittens. Here is a guide to some of the best ski gloves of 2021. Always take an extra pair in case yours gets it damaged.
Get proper instruction. Sign up for ski lessons (either individual or group). Even experienced skiers polish up their skills with a lesson now and then.
Wear goggles. Wear ski goggles that fit properly around your helmet. If you wear eyeglasses, buy goggles that fit comfortably over your eyeglasses or consider prescription goggles.
Take a break. - Accidents happen when you are tired. Take a break and rest for a while. Eat and hydrate while resting. Skiing takes energy! Avoid the the urge to get the last run at the end of the day. Experienced skiers know balance is the key.
Ski together - There is safety in numbers. Get another person to spot for you so that can report an emergency. Did you know there are Bluetooth headsets like these that enable you communicate with others via cell phone or Bluetooth. The Snowtalk 2 Bluetooth headset is designed to be installed into most ear pads of snowboard or ski helmets. Communicate with up to a total of four Sena Bluetooth headsets without the need for any cell phone/data connections!
Know your limits. Most trails are clearly marked (Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond) as to what level skier they are appropriate for. Ski trail difficulty is measured by percent slope, not degree angle. That means beginner slopes ( green circle) are between 6% and 25%. Intermediate slopes ( blue square) are between 25% and 40%. Difficult slopes (black diamond) are 40% and higher.
Follow the rules. Micheal Schumacher was skiing off the trail when he had his horrible accident. This is why you must and should obey all posted trail closure and warning signs. Remember also the cardinal rule, that Skiers in front of you, and below you, on the ski trail have the right-of-way.
