Christmas holidays in the snow, no to do-it-yourself. If you don’t want to get hurt on skis and snowboards, improvising is forbidden, warn the experts of the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Siot). In the mountains you have to be prepared, its the first commandment: equip yourself for the slopes, but also train yourself so as to face the descents safely. And then pay attention to the weather and not to expect too much from yourself: if one day you don’t feel fit, it’s better to put down your rackets.
“If you respect some rules – states Pietro Simone Randelli, president of Siot and director of the Orthopedic Clinic of the University of Milan, Gaetano Pini orthopedic Institute - skiing and snowboarding are very fun sports and also suitable for children. However, they often go up on skis, people who are out of shape, who are not used to practicing sports: these are the ideal candidates for getting injured. Training your muscles and doing sports throughout the year is essential to arrive prepared in the mountains. And before each descent. in addition to wearing a safety helmet, we always recommend checking the weather conditions, visibility, the presence of ice and also any crowding on the slopes.” The safety factor depends on many variables,specialists warn: “It is not enough to just be athletically prepared to face the slopes,whether red,blue or black. Many elements must be taken into account and remember that, especially beginners and amateurs, they must rely on guided by professionals who teach them the basics of skiing or snowboarding. Woe to the do-it-yourselfers.”
“One of the secrets to skiing safely – adds Randelli – is common sense and listening to your body: if you don’t feel fit, you don’t necessarily have to ski. and then pay attention to the materials of the skis, which today are excellent and allow to reach high speeds. Anyone who is starting out or is not trained must go slowly”, urges the president of Siot, introducing the decalogue drawn up by the scientific society for safe holidays on the snow.
Here are 10 tips from orthopedists:
1. Use safety devices. Always wear a helmet, back protector and gloves with protection; use is recommended for adults and children;
2. Adequate physical planning. During the year, and especially a few months before arriving in the mountains, it is a good idea to dedicate yourself to targeted training to strengthen your muscles;
3. Do warm-up exercises before the descents. Remember the importance of stretching, especially useful for the joints;
4. Watch the weather. Before each descent it is important to be well informed about the weather conditions, visibility, characteristics of the snow, the presence of ice;
5. Never underestimate pain and discomfort.Before leaving, resolve any type of pain: these are alarm bells that can alter control over movement and promote instability;
6. Common sense and listening to your body. Understand your limits and never overdo it, stopping if necessary;
7. Pay attention to speed. Maintain a moderate speed, paying attention to possible overcrowding on the slopes;
8. Use appropriate equipment. Skis and snowboards must be in good condition and have received maintenance before being used, referring to a specialized center. skis must be suitable for the person’s build, weight and abilities;
9. Respect the most common rules of ski facilities. Know and respect the signs on the slopes, maintain distances that allow you to change direction or stop if necessary, without danger to yourself or others; do not venture, if not practical, into the so-called off-piste;
10.Avoid skiing after drinking alcohol and no heavy meals. Always maintain a high level of alertness and attention, without exaggerating with alcohol before a descent, always orienting yourself towards light and balanced lunches.
How can skiers better recognize and respect their personal limits to prevent injuries?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Pietro Simone Randelli, President of the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Siot)
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Randelli! We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us today about skiing safety during the Christmas holidays. Winter sports can be exhilarating, but they also come with their risks. Can you share why it’s essential for skiers and snowboarders to avoid improvisation?
Dr. Randelli: Good morning! it’s a pleasure to be here. The thrill of skiing and snowboarding can indeed be captivating, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Improvising on the slopes can increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries, especially for those who may not be adequately prepared. Sadly, we’ve seen many incidents where enthusiastic but untrained individuals get hurt simply because they ventured out without the proper experiance or equipment.
editor: That makes sense. So what steps should individuals take before they hit the slopes to ensure that they are adequately prepared, both in terms of equipment and physical readiness?
Dr. Randelli: The first commandment of skiing is readiness. This means having the right gear—not just the skis or snowboard, but also protective equipment like helmets and pads. Equally vital is physical preparation; engaging in targeted training can significantly improve one’s ability to handle different terrains and situations. We advise taking lessons from certified instructors, especially for beginners, as they provide the foundational skills that are vital for safety.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of training.Wich specific areas should individuals focus on to enhance their skills and reduce the risk of injury?
Dr. Randelli: Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding and involve a range of skills, including balance, coordination, and strength. I recommend focusing on core strength and flexibility training, as they help maintain stability on the slopes. Additionally, practicing controlled descents, turning techniques, and stopping safely are crucial skills that should be mastered well before attempting steep or challenging runs.
Editor: You also advised on keeping an eye on the weather. Why is this so critical for winter sports enthusiasts?
Dr. Randelli: Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains and can significantly impact the safety of the slopes. Poor visibility, icy patches, and high winds can create hazardous situations that even experienced skiers may struggle with. We recommend checking weather reports regularly and being willing to adjust plans accordingly. If conditions are not ideal or if one does not feel physically up to the challenge, it’s always wiser to skip that day on the slopes.
Editor: That brings us to one final point—self-awareness. How critically important is it for skiers and snowboarders to recognize their limits?
Dr. Randelli: It’s absolutely crucial! Each individual has different levels of fitness, experience, and comfort.Pushing beyond these limits can lead to accidents. If you’re feeling fatigued, unwell, or simply not in the mood, it’s best to take a break and come back another day. Remember, it’s about enjoying the experience, not just conquering the slopes.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Randelli,for sharing these invaluable insights with us. Your expertise helps demystify the importance of preparation and safety in winter sports.Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday season on the slopes!
Dr. Randelli: Thank you! I wish the same for everyone out there.Stay safe and have fun!