Skiing Injuries - Statistics and Figures

According to a leading UK ski cover insurer, 2-3% of skiers require hospital treatment. With minor injuries from skiing, occurring on average 1 in every 14 days of skiing.
Of this percentage, 25% of ski injuries are caused by collision with the likes of a tree, pylon or other people. Of these 60-70% require hospital admission. Seventy five
percent of accidents relate to falls, attributed to poor fitness, inexperience, snow conditions or bad luck.
On the fitness front we know that a ligament strength can increase by up to 70% in the trained versus the sedentary.

In addition to the above findings:

• 25% of accidents occur during a 1st winter sports holiday.

• Of all snowboarding injuries, over 50% relate to novice boarders.

• Under 25’s account for the highest winter sports injuries, with young male skiers travelling in excess of 25mph more likely to have a collision than a mature or experienced skier.

In order to help prevent accidents & injuries the following safety guidelines are advised:

• The wearing of a safety helmet will reduce the severity of head injury by up to 50%.

• Many snowboarders suffer wrist injuries, as a lot of pressure is applied in a fall. By wearing wrist guards this will be greatly reduced.

• Skiing & alcohol do not mix. As well as being extremely dangerous, the intake of excess alcohol contributes to a high percentage of hospital admissions after lunch.

By Mark Langley, B.Ph.Ed.,M.C.S.P.,S.R.P.,P.G.D. Biomechanics