studentsineurope

Ski Safety

Both fabulous and dangerous, skiing is a sport that requries a few precautionaries.

Avalanches  in northern Italy today caused the deaths of seven people, including Maximilian Conrad – a 14-year-old German tourist  skiing with his brother and a friend.

Skiing is a blast, and in my opinion an integral part of winter travel in Europe. But, like any so-called extreme sports, the activity comes with a slew of dangers. The U.S.’s National Ski Areas Association Safety Awareness Week is approaching, and the association offers a number of safety tips for those about to hit the slopes.

I skied for the first time in the Italian Alps , and I had not one clue what I was doing. I fell the minute I exited the lift and – after putting up quite a fight – resigned to using its posts as my personalized method of halting. Gliding pitifully into my makeshift, fortunately padded stopping points, it dawned on me the potential dangers of skiing.

Though you can’t control the weather and its sometimes devastating circumstances, here are a few tips on how to ski safely.

Wear a helmet. When you’re moving through space at high speeds, a helmet is always a good idea. Even snow can create quite the blow.

Let yourself fall: Avoiding a fall can cause major strain on your knees, potentially tearing your ACL. When falling, tuck your arms into your sides.

Take lessons. If at all unsure of your ability to ski (or your ability to ski your chosen slopes) take even a quick lesson.

Don’t overestimate your ability. Stick with the appropriate slopes and don’t venture off trails if you’re not used to powdery, unpacked snow.

Don’t cross your skis. Keeping your skis parallel will avoid major knee injuries.

Get fitted. Too big shoes, faulty binding or sloppy clothing can make a mess of you.

Watch the weather. If the weather turns or looks even the slightest bit threatening, don’t go skiing.