Going Skiing or snowboarding? How best to avoid injury

At this time of year, despite the recession, thousands of Irish people take a trip to the snowy regions of France, Austria, Bulgaria, Andorra and further afield to indulge in some winter fun.

While skiing and snowboarding are arguably some of the most enjoyable outdoor sports, they can also be dangerous. Unfortunately many holidaymakers return to Ireland every year nursing common snow-related injures such as fractures, cuts, ligament damage, sprains and even concussions. Knees are the most commonly injured part of the body for skiers, while wrists are the most injured body part for snowboarders.

Even though injuries are an inevitable risk of such a fast paced sport -and there will always be the odd foolish show-off who blasts into a tree at high speed!-most are preventable with some preparation and a little caution and common sense. Taking a bit of care can help prevent any unnecessary treatment such as MRI scans, Ultrasound scans and even X-rays while on the slopes.  

The website www.ski-injury.com, founded by a medical doctor with a special interest in snow sports injuries, has some useful practical advice on how best to avoid injuring yourself on your skiing/snowboarding holiday:

General Advice For Everyone on the Slopes

► Try and get fit before your snow holiday- skiing and snowboarding require a fair bit of physical exertion.

►Make sure you get professional instruction - injuries are more common in beginners and bad habits learnt early on are difficult to resolve later.

► Have your own equipment checked regularly or use a reputable equipment hire company as advised by your rep. Don't be tempted to overstate your level of skill - longer skis are more difficult to turn and bindings set too high for your ability are more likely to cause injury. Boots should fit snugly without your ankle moving around inside. If your skis, board, boots or bindings don't feel right, go back to the hire shop.

► Whatever you do, don't borrow kit off your friends. This dramatically increases your risk of injury.

► Warm up and down properly - spend a few minutes gently stretching your hamstrings, thigh muscles, hips and calves before and after going on the slopes. Hold each stretch gently for 30 seconds. It shouldn't hurt!



► Recognise when you need a rest - most injuries occur after lunchtime when tiredness sets in or a few days in when fatigue takes its toll.

► Try and avoid being persuaded to attempt slopes or speeds beyond the level of your ability. Remember it's better safe than sorry!

► Wear adequate warm clothing, preferably in layers. Don't forget good quality sunglasses, goggles and sunscreen.

► Consider wearing a protective helmet.

► Never ski or snowboard off-piste alone and be aware of the prevailing avalanche risk.

► Be aware of the risk posed by tree wells or deep snow.

► Never attempt to ski or board down a closed piste. Pistes are only closed for good reason, and you could run the risk of serious injury.

And of course don't forget to be careful when enjoying some après ski fun. Plenty of injuries occur from slipping down a flight of steps or tipping over unsuitable shoes. No one wants to come back from a snow holiday and explain that their injury is actually a result of having partied too much as opposed to having had an unfortunate trip during a daring ski run.

Thankfully most people return from ski holidays with little more than a bit of stiffness and a bruised wallet!