Skiing Injuries Discussed

Most people won’t enjoy talking about this topic, but hopefully these tips will prepare you in case you have an accident on the mountain side. Every year many people injure themselves on the piste, but it should not be something to put you off your holiday. Granted, skiing and snowboard can be dangerous sports, but you can take precautions that will help you avoid being seriously injured. Many of you may have heard about terrible accidents, but remember you are alot more likely to hear the bad rather than the good. Skiing injuries are a reality and for that reason you should read the following article carefully.

On-piste injuries

While skiing, if a member of your group gets injured on the slopes, the first step you should do is take precautions to avoid other skiers crashing in on top of them. Generally the rule is that you should plant a pair of skis a short distance up the piste. These should be crossed over each other to form an X shape. Once this is done, you should send someone to contact the ski patrol. Never leave the injured person alone, insure that they is at least 1 able bodied person with the skier at all times.
It is important to insure that the casualty is as warm as possible, and as comfortable as possible. Take off their skis, but don’t take off their boots. If you suspect that they have injured their neck or spine, don’t move them. Give the injured person your jacket. If the person is bleeding, apply a pressure directly to the wound and and keep it elevated if possible.

Preventing Injuries

Here are a few things you can do to try to avoid injuries and accidents on the you skiing holiday:

• You should try to get fit before your skiing holiday. Think about doing some light regular exercise before you go. Try a fitness program at least six weeks before you plan to ski.
• Remember to warm up, and do stretching before each day’s skiing. And take the first run or two a little bit easier.
• Check your ski equipment and make sure that all parts are in good working order. Double check your boots and bindings ! If you can unsure about your equipment ask a professional !
• Read the International Ski Federation safety code here.
• As you grow tired throughout the day, don’t forget to take breaks, and be extra cautious on the last run of the day. Remember as the light conditions get worse and your tiredness grows, you will be more likely to make a mistake and hurt yourself.

Bring your E111 Skiing

Remember to get your E-111 Card when you are skiing in Europe. If necessary you should consider buying extra skiing insurance. Remember that the E-111 card will only cover your emergency medical cover in the country. If you need physio or other treatment after your return this may not be covered by your normal health insurance. Skiing and snowboarding is classed as extreme sports, even if you are on the bunny slopes, so do make sure that your insurance company will cover any ski accidents.

Skiing Insurance Recommendation

Last year we have used Essential Travel Insurance {no longer operating in Ireland}. They offer full coverage while you are on holidays in the snow, and it costs under €20 per week.

For more about skiing injuries, you can read a discussion on skiing injuries in our forum. It’s not the most pleasant thing to read, but if you have a story yourself feel free to add it.