Too Cool For Ski School
I can barely have a conversation about skiing accidents without bringing up Sonny Bono, Michael Kennedy or more recently, Natasha Richardson (who I think is better known for her cause of death than acting career). Ski season is just upon us and of course this means major expenses…dropping money for new apres ski wear (Santa, I would really love a resort collection Bogner jacket) plus most likely a doctor bill here and there. The New York Times published an article that highlighted a recent study completed by The British Journal of Sports Medicine regarding skiing injuries- read the full (dense) report online or continue this game of telephone and get a down and dirty point by point summary by yours truly.
- of the sample population of injured skiers, 57% were men
- average age: 40
- many injured while skiing slowly
- new ski equipment or old snow significantly increased risk of injury
- insobriety did not seem to be a factor (still finding this hard to believe…)
- recent studies suggest that 40 skiers on average die per ski season (even less for snowboarders)
- reduced injury stats due in part by improved binding release settings and “new” parabolic equipment(widespread hourglass-shaped skis)
- lower-leg injuries have drastically reduced although the number of sprained knees have increased (most likely due to people feeling too comfortable in the cushy hourglass shaped skis)
- ACL sprains are more common among skiers older than 30
- the recent increase in snowboarders has created additional obstacles for skiers to hit (duh)
- helmets have reduced the total number of skiing-related head injuries by 30-50%, although helmets do not help in the case of a serious head injury
Experts suggest the following to reduce chances of injury:
- have a ski tech check your equipment, specifically the binding release (you do not want them to pop open too easily or too late)
- buy/rent boots that fit snuggly
- know your limits and do not become over-confident in new equipment, fresh powder and/or after ski lessons
I say, when the late afternoon conditions get slushy and your legs are beat…catch a beer at the lodge and rest up for the next day.
