BOLZANO. Use safety devices (helmet, back protector, protective gloves); have adequate physical preparation (better if targeted); Do heating before descents (stretching helps the joints); evaluate weather and snow conditions (especially the presence of ice); do not underestimate the pains; listen to your own body; pay attention to speed et al overcrowding; use adequate equipment (skis and snowboards well maintained and suitable for the person); respect the track rules (signs, distances, limits); Don’t ski after drinking alcohol or ingested heavy meals (which limit attention).
This is the decalogue launched by the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Siot) in view of the 2024/2025 ski season, to prevent injuries on the snow. The statistical institute of the Province of Bolzano (Astat) found that, out of 11,121 accidents on the slopes of Alto Adige in 2023/2024, 51.7% of females and 48.3% of males were involved.
Most frequent cause of injury the autonomous fall (77.6%)which follows collision with others (11.4%). 50.3% of accidents occurred on red slopes40% on blue and 9% on black. The 11-20 year olds (21%) and 51-60 year olds (20.2%) are most affected, with a general prevalence of knee sprains (26.8%) and shoulder injuries (especially among 51-60 year olds, 22%). The head is affected in 7.7% of cases.
“If you respect some rules, skiing and snowboarding are very fun sports and also suitable for children”, explains Pietro Simone Randelli, president of Siot and director of the first orthopedic clinic of the University of Milan, the Gaetano Pini Institute. “Often, however, people who are out of training get on skis, ideal candidates for getting injured. Training your muscles and doing sport is essential to arriving in the mountains prepared.”
Knee injuries are more frequent in skiers, while “snowboarders instead suffer more injuries to the wrist, elbow and shoulder”, continues Randelli, who recalls the importance for amateurs to rely on professionals who can teach them the basics. “One of the secrets to skiing safely”, he concludes, “is common sense. If you don’t feel fit you shouldn’t necessarily ski. Pay attention, then, to the materials of the skis: today they are excellent and allow you to reach high speeds, but those who are starting out or are not trained must go slowly.”