Ski Vacations - Playing Safe

By Author: John French
Total Articles: 4762
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Ski equipment is designed for comfort and effortless skiing - but with it comes increased speed for novices and established skiers alike.

For new and intermediate people the extra speed can present danger.

Here are a few safety tips to ensure your time on the slopes is fun - and injury free:

Dress for the Occasion

Many people hit the slopes trying to look cool instead of trying to keep warm. Dress in layers and remove them as needed. Keep in mind that your clothes, including your mittens and gloves, will get wet as you ski. Picking the proper clothing is the first lesson in how to ski safely.

Wear a Helmet

While some people will not wear a helmet for fear of looking uncool, massive head trauma is far less cool than even the silliest looking helmet. Nearly every sport that involves the danger of injury requires the use of a helmet. Biking, football and baseball all make use of helmets. Wearing a helmet is the single easiest way to protect yourself when skiing. Tragedy has already hit Andorra this year when a young girl hit a crash barrier and couldn't be revived.

Use the Right ...
... Equipment

Too often people use high tech, fancy equipment designed for professionals when they are just learning to ski. The best way to make sure your equipment is suited to your needs is to check in with a pro shop before you start skiing. Especially if you are borrowing equipment from a friend, make sure a professional inspects it to ensure it is in good working order and suits your needs.

Check to make sure your bindings are latching properly. Also, be sure to inspect your tension gauges and heel plates. Ideally your equipment should be serviced by a professional once every 10 days of use.

Know Your Limits

We are all tempted to push ourselves in sports. Performance in skiing is not gauged the same as running or swimming. Going as fast as you can is not the goal. When you are first starting out, simply attempt to make it down the hill uninjured. Build your speed gradually and sensibly. Keep in mind that an injury will stop you completely, so go at your own pace.

Keep on the Beaten Path

Skiing is meant to be adventurous. Resist the temptation, however, to make it dangerous. Stay on the marked paths and don't venture off by yourself. Listen to instructors when they tell you the proper procedure for going up and down the hill. A big part of safe skiing is simply following the rules and regulations set by the resort.

Start Gradually

Even if you are an advanced skier, you need to warm up. Just like any form of exercise, it is important to stretch and ease into safe skiing. Start on the bunny hill and work your way up to Daredevil Peak. There is no shame in starting slowly. You have the whole day to impress your friends with your skills, ease into your day by approaching skiing like any other workout and start with a warm up session.

Ski with a Companion

It seems like a solo sport. Skiing down a hill is not the best time for a long conversation with a friend. When you ski with a companion, though, you have someone looking out for your safety. Likewise, you can look out for the safety of your friend.

Make sure you both have your mobile phones with you, and keep the batteries charged up. Also be sure the phones are located in a safe spot where they won't fall out of your pocket and break. This will help ensure you can find your companion if you get separated on the slopes.

A fun skiing trip is one that is free from injuries. If you learn how to ski safely, you will have a great time on your next trip. Use your common sense and err on the side of caution to ensure your time is filled with a few safe thrills instead of painful spills - after all you want to be able to enjoy the apres ski as well in the evenings!
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