The winter sports season has only just started, but a lot of accidents have already happened in the Alps. The ski slopes are overcrowded, while the snow conditions are very variable. How do you protect yourself against accidents and how do you recognize the dangers?
Heavy news in recent days: first a 14-year-old boy died after falling from a ski slope in Austria. More accidents were reported on Thursday, including a 13-year-old who was seriously injured after skiing into a tree. While it still snowed heavily at the beginning of December, the conditions are far from optimal. It rains and thaws in many places; in Winterberg an entire ski slope broke in half.
About 400 million people go on winter sports every year. Half of that goes to the Alps. But the climate reports don’t lie . Ski areas are becoming smaller and the average higher temperatures make maintaining slopes more difficult. More dangerous terrain, more crowds: it’s high time for a refresher course in ski knowledge and safety.
What are the rules?
First a quick overview of the rules on the slopes. And: don’t forget (before you go up the mountain) to save the emergency numbers. These are usually also on the free piste map that you can get at the ski lift.
- Be considerate of others.
- Control your speed and brake in time.
- Choose a safe path.
- Watch out when crossing & merging.
- Overtake carefully.
- Don’t just stand still on the slopes (and stop at the side).
- Walk along the side of the track.
- Stick to the signs.
- Provide assistance in case of accidents.
- Identification is required.
And please note: more rules apply in the fun park and off the slopes.
A fun park is full of obstacles and ramps (called kickers ) to perform stunts. Great fun, but also dangerous. Therefore, never stand still before or after an obstacle.
Want to try a trick? Then look around to see if someone else is rushing towards the same obstacle.
Did someone fall? Then keep your arms crossed above your head so that others know to avoid the obstacle. Crossing your skis or poles in front of the obstacle until the coast is clear again is even better.
Parks often have signs indicating the level of the obstacles. Know your limits, and feel free to ask! Other winter sports enthusiasts and the park crew are happy to help you. And those ramps for a rail or box? These are intended to get onto the obstacle. Therefore, do not simply jump over or away from it.
Do you want to ski off-piste? The experts of the Dutch Ski Association (NSkiV) advise against this: “Don’t go off-piste if you don’t know exactly what you are doing. If you do go, hire a guide who knows the area well.” In addition, a snow layer must build up well for safe conditions. This is not (yet) the case in many winter sports areas this year.
Your insurance does not cover accidents outside the slopes. Are you determined? Then take a course, make sure you have the right stuff with you (also to help others) and always check the weather forecast and avalanche danger. And never go off-piste alone.
Basic knowledge and equipment
Of course: warm clothes, thermal gear, a buff… you know all that. But is your outfit really waterproof and is your helmet still in good condition?
Water-repellent ski clothing works with a millimeter system. If your jacket has a number lower than 5000mm, it is not suitable. A RECCO reflector is highly recommended when choosing a jacket. This means that emergency responders can always find you, even if you are covered in a lot of snow.
The helmet is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason . Every European ski country recommends wearing one, and for children it is often mandatory. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever. The internal structure is built in such a way that it can absorb heavy impacts. That works just like the crumple zone of a car, only inside the helmet. Did you make a big splash? Then it’s high time for a new one, even if it still seems good.
In addition, the NSkiV recommends that you also prepare yourself physically. “Stay fit and train where possible.” According to them, this can save a lot of trouble in the event of a slide on the (black) slopes.
Snow conditions
Many people blame the many accidents this winter on a lack of good snow. That is partly correct, but a fresh layer does not solve all problems. It lies loose on the hard old snow layer. That is why they can also become separated from each other an avalanche as a result.
Doctors also warn about the afternoon: the sun warms the top layer of snow during the day. When the sun disappears, around 3:00 PM, the snow freezes again and turns into ice. That gives you slippery slopes or bumps. So don’t save the steepest descent for last and have your skis properly waxed and sharpened.