Snowsports can be the most exciting activity for anyone to enjoy, but there can also be risks involved. On the plus side, it is certainly possible to stay safe while fully enjoying the activity, but only if you heed some essential reminders. Below are four of the most important tips regarding winter sports activities.
Boundaries must be respected.
With the high-speed nature of most snow sports, it is very easy to become an unwilling participant in an accident, or cause one yourself. Whoever ignores the rules poses a danger not only to themselves, but also to others. When you see boundary ropes in skiing, for example, you have to appreciate what they stand for; by ignoring these limits for “the thrill of it,” you could end up in extremely dangerous territory.Usually, such boundary lines or signs indicate what ski patrols have identified as unsafe slopes or dangerous windblown areas. Respecting the boundaries may lessen your excitement, but it will also keep you safe to enjoy another day of your vacation!
Wear a good helmet.
Wearing a helmet while practising snow sports is not a fashion statement; this action saves lives. Without terrifying or dampening spirits, it’s important to know that brain injury—a leading cause of disability or death—can occur from playing sports. While such injuries are most common at high speeds, make sure you always wear a helmet whether you’re skiing on a beginner or intermediate slope.
Learn to “read” the environment.
When skiing or showboarding, especially when you’re on a certain slope for the first time, you have to learn to be mindful of the conditions. For example, avalanche hazard is a hazard during and immediately after snowfall, and slopes of 30 degrees or more can also increase the risk of an avalanche. While resort operators and ski patrols will keep skiers safe by posting signs and verbal warnings, it’s still wise to be alert and vigilant when it comes to your own safety.
Learn to fall ‘proactively’
Don’t kid yourself; you will fall at one point or another if you do winter sports. Learning to proactively “fall” may sound like a contradiction to your sanity, but the truth is that learning how to fall properly can help you avoid injury while practising any kind of snow sport. Look at it this way: falling is an opportunity to learn and master the sport that little bit more. In fact, many ski training professionals say that trying to correct too much, break a fall, or try to stay on your skis can actually increase the likelihood of certain limb injuries. For example, trying too hard to stay upright against the weight, speed, and gravity of the body can damage the knees.
Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering linked ski holidays. When it comes to snow sports, Ski Amis can take you to the best destinations, with excellent serviced or self-catering chalets. Call Ski Amis for a luxurious or economical holiday and the best-maintained chalets.