http://www.newsday.com/news/health/the-daily-apple-1.4760551/ski-patroller-offers-slope-safety-tips-1.7105306
With snow seemingly always coming down and Presidents Week upon us,
it's a popular time for local families to hit the slopes. But before you
click into your ski boots, it's important to remember the potential
dangers associated with skiing and snowboarding.
Over the past 10 years, an average of 45 serious injuries, such as
paralysis and head trauma, have occurred among skiers and snowboarders
each year, with 51 during 2011-2012 season, according to the National
Ski Areas Association.
Deaths are reported nearly as often — 41 on average each year, with
54 reported during the 2011-2012 season, the association reports.
Robert Bristol, of East Rockaway, a ski patroller at Windham Mountain
and assistant athletic trainer at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue,
offers the following advice to help keep skiers and snowboarders safe.
Proper nutrition: Skiing and snowboarding are
rigorous, full-body workouts, so it’s important to stay fueled and
hydrated, or you’ll risk exhaustion. Have a hearty breakfast. Carry a
granola or candy bar for a midday snack. Likewise, drink plenty of water
or your favorite sports drink.
Proper clothing: Thin technical gear will benefit
you more than bulky layers of cotton sweatshirts. Good gloves are also
very important. On really cold days, it’s important to keep all skin
covered, and monitor yourself — and your skiing partners — for
frostbite.
Proper equipment: Skiing/snowboarding equipment
continually progresses with technology and advances in safety. The 210
cm straight skis of yesteryear and rear entry boots should be shelved. Equipment should match ability and preference, so discuss both with your local ski shop. Also, make sure to have your bindings checked before every season — the proper DIN setting is crucial to ensure they will release, when needed, to avoid injury.
Wear a helmet: The NSAA reported that 61 percent of
skiers and boarders wore a helmet in the 2010-2011 season. This number
continues to increase annually as helmet technology improves. They have
become lighter, more comfortable and provide additional warmth.
While helmets save lives, it’s not an invisibility cloak. At speeds
more than 15 mph a helmet offers considerably less protection.
Wear sun protection: The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days.
Take a lesson: Most injuries happen when skiers
travel onto trails that are above their ability level. Learn to ski and
snowboard smoothly, in control — and within your skill level. Like
anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance from a
qualified instructor.
It’s also important to keep mindful of signs on the mountain and to
obtain a trail map. If you are visiting a mountain for the first time
and are unsure of a trail’s difficulty, speak with ski patrol to get a
first-hand description of which trails may be suitable for you.
Know the code: Skiing and snowboarding are very
different than driving a car, yet just as dangerous. There are no lanes,
traffic signals or traffic law. However, there is a responsibility code
every skier and rider should be familiar with, and it’s usually printed
on each lift ticket sold.
For example, people ahead of you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to avoid them. If you are a new skier or rider, please take the time to review these tips.