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Read this before your snow trip!
Dr Kate Pink
The days are shortening, jumpers have been dug out from the closet, snow is blanketing the southern ski fields and with single digit temperatures already in Brisbane, winter has well and truly arrived. If you are lucky enough to have an upcoming ski or snowboard holiday planned you may have already taken advantage of recent snow sales, but have you forgotten one of the most important pieces of equipment? A helmet!
When hitting the slopes you may not usually wear a helmet. However, wearing one when skiing or snowboarding is just as important as wearing a helmet riding a bicycle or a seatbelt in the car. It is well known that snow sports hold a significant risk of injury with children and young people being most susceptible. According to Sports Medicine Australia, of all downhill skiing & snowboard related presentations, head and neck injuries were the third most commonly treated at hospitals, as a result of falls or collisions with objects & other people. Further to this, European safety authorities attribute more than 50% of all severe and fatal injuries in snow sports to be related to the head. Helmets, if worn properly, can reduce the impact of a collision or crash and thus greatly reduce the severity of injury.
As a young teen learning to ski on the slopes of Falls Creek, I hardly remember anyone wearing helmets, let alone myself. It wasn’t until I became a ski instructor responsible for the safety of others, that I understood how important they are. I saw how I could set an example for newcomers and children to the sport, so for the last 12 years I’ve never skied a day without one. And now, I couldn’t imagine wearing anything else on my head. Not only do helmets protect from the unexpected, but also when properly fitted they are incredibly comfortable and fantastic at keeping you toasty warm on those long chairlift rides!
So if you are counting down the sleeps until your next winter adventure (33 for me!), regardless of your skill level, don’t forget to add a helmet to your packing list for every family member. We highly recommend the team at Snowcentral in Keperra and Underwood. They have a fantastic and affordable range of helmets for all ages (even rentals) to help you have a safe and fun filled holiday.
Dr Pink’s Safety Tips for skiing & snowboarding:
When hitting the slopes you may not usually wear a helmet. However, wearing one when skiing or snowboarding is just as important as wearing a helmet riding a bicycle or a seatbelt in the car. It is well known that snow sports hold a significant risk of injury with children and young people being most susceptible. According to Sports Medicine Australia, of all downhill skiing & snowboard related presentations, head and neck injuries were the third most commonly treated at hospitals, as a result of falls or collisions with objects & other people. Further to this, European safety authorities attribute more than 50% of all severe and fatal injuries in snow sports to be related to the head. Helmets, if worn properly, can reduce the impact of a collision or crash and thus greatly reduce the severity of injury.
As a young teen learning to ski on the slopes of Falls Creek, I hardly remember anyone wearing helmets, let alone myself. It wasn’t until I became a ski instructor responsible for the safety of others, that I understood how important they are. I saw how I could set an example for newcomers and children to the sport, so for the last 12 years I’ve never skied a day without one. And now, I couldn’t imagine wearing anything else on my head. Not only do helmets protect from the unexpected, but also when properly fitted they are incredibly comfortable and fantastic at keeping you toasty warm on those long chairlift rides!
So if you are counting down the sleeps until your next winter adventure (33 for me!), regardless of your skill level, don’t forget to add a helmet to your packing list for every family member. We highly recommend the team at Snowcentral in Keperra and Underwood. They have a fantastic and affordable range of helmets for all ages (even rentals) to help you have a safe and fun filled holiday.
Dr Pink’s Safety Tips for skiing & snowboarding:
- Undertake pre-season conditioning and training to build up your fitness, strength and flexibility. Dr Pink can work with you and your physio if you have a niggling injury.
- Seek professional advice when choosing or hiring equipment. Select equipment suited to your activity, skill level and physical characteristics.
- A helmet is recommended for all ages! Ensure it is in good condition
- Wear appropriate clothing and layer for the conditions.
- Eyewear that gives ultra-violet protection and a sunscreen with a high SPF should be worn even on cloudy days and re-applied regularly
- Assess the snow conditions and take them into consideration, along with your skill level, before skiing or riding
- Be familiar with, and follow the Alpine Responsibility Code
- Adequate rest, nutrition, hydration and energy replenishment (i.e. regular snacks) will enhance performance and reduce the likelihood of injury
- Visit www.snowsafe.org.au for more information