Surviving the Slopes

Sub: A checklist for keeping safe during your winter mountain fun. 

Snow Safety : Hunter Greene

   As winter approaches, many families are eagerly anticipating the start of skiing and snowboarding season. And while hitting the slopes is a great way to stay active and have some family fun, skiing and snowboarding do have their risks. 

   These winter sports are the second leading cause of sports-related injury and responsible for many trips to the emergency department. Common skiing and snowboarding injuries include leg, wrist, head and neck injuries.

   By following a few simple tips, you can help the whole family stay safe:

   >> Wear a helmet “” Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injury. They should fit snug on the head with the chin strap in place. 

   >> Wear wrist guards “” Wrist guards help reduce the rate of wrist injuries, which are common among snowboarders.

   >> Sun protection “” Even on cloudy days, UV intensity can be very high because of the sun’s reflection off snow and the high altitude. Apply sunscreen in the morning and stash a small bottle in your coat to reapply during the day.

   >> Follow the rules “” The Alpine Responsibility Code is part of snow sport injury prevention across the world. It includes the following:

Check out this article in the digital edition of SportStars Magazine: Surviving the Slopes

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