Snow sports expert gives tips: How to reduce the risk of accidents while skiing

According to experts, everyone who owns their own skis should have their bindings checked at a ski shop before each season. “It is important to set the binding release mechanism correctly.” This means that in the event of a fall, the skis detach from the foot in time, reducing the risk of injury. “If the ski binding is adjusted too tightly, it won’t come off your foot, which can lead to serious knee injuries,” says Aegerter. Testing before each season makes sense because the material of the ski can vary depending on the terrain or terrain. Fluctuations in body weight also affect the adjustment of the binding.

Aegerter says warming the body has two benefits. “On the one hand, you can reduce the risk of injury in case of a fall, since warm muscles are more durable, and on the other hand, signals from the brain reach the muscles faster.” This means you can control the ski or snowboard better and also perform movements with more control. The expert recommends warming up before skiing the first slope in the morning and after a long lunch break. The following exercises are suitable for this:

• Circling your legs and rocking back and forth
• Arm circle and swing
• Playing “Fangis” with children
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator

If you need even more inspiration, you’ll find a function in Suva’s “Slope Track” app where Swiss ski racer Wendy Holdener (30) demonstrates warm-up exercises.

“Many accidents occur because people overestimate their abilities,” says Aegerter. You also often don’t realize how fast you’re traveling. “On slopes you usually reach speeds of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour.” According to experts, it’s important to adapt your riding style according to how fit you feel, what the snow conditions are and how many people are skiing downhill. “The most serious accidents occur between 13:00 and 14:00 in the afternoon,” says Aegerter. He thinks that now some skiers are taking lunch breaks and the slopes are less full, encouraging them to ski faster and more carelessly.

Even if it seems trivial: “Breaks are necessary so that the muscles can relax and you can concentrate better again,” says Aegerter. If you can no longer perform movements cleanly while skiing or if you feel like you are losing control of your skis or snowboard, it is time to take a break. Heavy, tired thigh muscles are another sign. “It is important to monitor yourself carefully and acknowledge when you need a break,” says the expert. Especially if you’re traveling with a group. A study by Suva found that the pressure to keep up with the pack increases the risk of accidents.