Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding: this is how you protect yourself correctly on the slopes

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Winter sports are very popular among the Swiss. Whether skiing or snowboarding, cross-country skiing or tobogganing, you can’t avoid hitting the ski slopes during the winter season.

But this is not always completely safe. Because there are many accidents every year. Below you will learn how to properly protect yourself in the snow.

Correct equipment

Good equipment is the most important element of winter sports. Although it is not compulsory to wear a helmet in Switzerland, a good helmet is highly recommended. Of the approximately 70,000 people who have accidents while skiing, snowboarding or sledding each year in Switzerland, about 15 percent injure their heads. According to the Accident Prevention Advisory Center (BFU), one-third of head injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet.

Ski bindings allow them to separate from the ski boot in the event of a fall. This can prevent lower leg, knee and ankle injuries. For this reason, skiers should have their binding settings checked before each season.

Snowboarders must first protect their forearms and hands, which are especially at risk. A wrist guard comes in handy for this.

You should also protect yourself from the sun

Along with the right equipment, adequate sun protection is essential if you want to return home safely from your ski holiday. The sun not only hits the skin directly, but also reflects off the snow, increasing the risk of sunburn. The higher you are in the mountains, the greater your exposure to UV rays.

While you can protect your skin and lips with sunscreen, you should also protect your eyes with glasses. The best way to protect yourself is to use ski goggles because they filter not only direct sunlight but also reflected sunlight from all directions.

The color of the lenses is also important when buying ski goggles. Some colors are more suitable than others depending on weather conditions.

Ride fair

If you want to prevent accidents on slopes, the behavior of both others and yourself plays an important role. You should always follow the rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS), although you cannot influence the first one.

This includes not only being considerate of other skiers or snowboarders, but also adapting your skiing style and speed to your own ability as well as weather and snow conditions.

Although some people like to go off-piste, it is important to stay on the routes when there is an avalanche risk.

Source : Blick