Added: 01/20/2006 |
Ski Safety Measures are An Essential Part of Any Ski TripSki accidents may be caused by different conditions, ranging from improper equipment, experience of the skier, to other fctors like improperly maintained ski lift systems or poorly groomed slopes. However, the majority of ski-related fatalities occur as a result of the bad physical shape of the skier. Poor fitness and conditioning are seen as major contributing factors of ski injuries. For this reason, exercise programs are beneficial for both beginners and experts. Surveys show that high-level skiers are less prone to ski accidents. Properly maintained equipment can also significantly reduce your chances of injury. It is advisable to use ski bindings, based on your height, weight and level of expertise. If you have your own equipment, make sure that your bindings are checked by a ski shop. Ski bindings and properly designed boots are also seen as an essential part of safe skies. While choosing your boots, a proper fit plays a key role.
One of the major factors contributing to ski injuries is fatigue. Recent statistics show that most ski accidents occur at the end of the day, when a skier is tired out. Taking into consideration an appalling number of skiers, which are injured and killed on the slopes, ski safety is seen now as a more serious concern than it has ever been. The National Ski Area Association has designed the universal rules of skiing, known as the Responsibility Code. These ski safety rules are posted in major skiing areas. The key rule here is to stay in control, being able to avoid other people and objects and stop whenever it is needed. One of the ski safe rules is to avoid people ahead of you, since they have the right of way. By no means should you ignore posted warnings and signs. Whenever you use a ski lift, make sure you know how to load and unload safely.
Safe skis and gear are an important part of your great skiing experience. It is a well-known fact that a skier can develop a speed up to 150 miles per hour, which can be fatal when you collide with another skier. For this reason, you should consider skies that equipped with brakes for quick stops in emergency situations. Proper clothing will help you stay dry and warm. Choose a light synthetic fabric to avoid overheating, add a thermal layer for warmth and top it with a wind proof jacket.
Though sunny weather is the most pleasant for skiers, it is also the most dangerous for your eyes, especially in winter when the eyes are exposed to light that is reflected off the snow. Long exposure can cause snow blindness if you don't use goggles. Each year more people choose those areas which offer the more challenging off-trail skiing. This puts them at risk of being involved in avalanches.
If you belong to this group of enthusiastic skiers, take advantage of the following ski safe tips. To reduce your risk of being caught and injured in an avalanche, take advantage of safety equipment, like an avalanche beacon. Don't go to the mountains alone! Always focus your attention on skiing and mountains in front of you. Avoid trees, fallen branches and rocks. Try to keep a distance of at least 25 feet from other skiers to avoid collision, as well as to be able to render assistance to those who need it.
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