Get prepared for skiing to avoid injury
Beginners and skiers who are unfit are statistically twice as likely to be hurt in an accident on the pistes. Since 1992 the risks of skiing accidents has remained stable, at fewer than 3 accidents per 1000 skier days. France's ‘Medecins de Montagne' offer advice to on how to reduce the risks of injury. This advice is aimed in particular at the higher risk groups of beginners and early intermediates in poor physical condition. First, get fit! Ideally one should take part in varied physical activity throughout the year with specific ski preparation in the months before the holiday. Mountain biking, roller-blading, running and keep fit classes all help prepare the body for the demands of skiing. Once in the resort it is wise to follow a few simple precautions. Before setting out on skis take a few moments to warm up your muscles. Choose an easy piste for the first run of the day. Never push yourself beyond your limits – the majority of accidents are linked to poor physical preparation and tiredness.
A publicity campaign to ensure that ski bindings are correctly set has reduced the number of knee injuries, and injuries between skiers and objects have fallen by two thirds since 1992. Let's hope that the growing number of head injuries begin to fall this year thanks to the increasing use of helmets.
