Safety on the Slopes

"Head injury is the leading cause of death and serious injury among skiers and snowboarders, yet very few skiers or snowboarders wear helmets…many head injuries could be prevented if skiers and snowboarders took the necessary precautions to protect themselves," says Dr. Stewart Levy, MD, a neurosurgeon in Denver, Colorado.

But, wearing the proper equipment is not the only safety guideline that winter sports enthusiasts need to be concerned with. "With more and more people on the mountains, most of the problems we see are when people go 'out of bounds,'" says Mary Joe Tarallo of Ski Industries America in McLean, VA.

When you go out on the slopes, consider the following:

• Ski under control and in such a manner that you can stop or avoid other skiers or objects.
• When skiing downhill, give moving skiers below the right of way. You should be able to see them, but they might not be able to see you.
• Yield to other skiers when entering a trail or starting downhill.
• Look both ways before crossing a trail.
• Stop on the side of a ski run, not in the middle.
• Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
• Keep off closed trails and observe all posted signs.
• Do your part to keep the slopes hazard free. After a fall, fill in any depressions you made in the snow. If you see branches or debris on the run, remove them if it is possible.
• Before passing another skier, shout "on your left" or "on your right".

It is also important to remember the following:

• Do not try to get into shape by skiing. You will enjoy the sport more if you are already physically fit.
• Obtain the proper equipment and have it properly adjusted.
• Take skiing lessons.
• Drink plenty of water and limit your alcohol consumption.
• Dress in layers.
• Be prepared for all weather conditions. The weather can change quickly.
• Wear sun protection and sunglasses.
• Wear clothing made from water- and wind-resistant fabric that features wind flaps over zippers, snug cuffs around the wrists and ankles and adjustable drawstrings.