from B.A.S.P. - British Association of Ski Patrollers.

Skiing and snowboarding are much safer sports than most people believe. For every one thousand people on the slopes per day, less than 4 skiers, snowboarders or snowbladers will sustain an injury that requires medical attention. But if this happens to be you, it may not only bring your eagerly awaited holiday to an abrupt end, but could also prove to be very expensive. Some injuries may mean you never ski or board again.

Others sustain avoidable minor soft tissue injuries that can nevertheless interfere with the enjoyment of their holiday. Without spoiling your fun, here are a few simple tips that can help to significantly reduce your risk of injury.

General advice

Follow the F.I.S. code on piste safety below – the vast majority of injuries occur when someone loses control. Travel on a piste and at a speed appropriate for your level of skill. In this day and age, if you break the FIS code and injure someone else you could be held negligent and liable for damage.

Don’t be tempted to skip professional instruction - injuries are commoner in beginners and bad habits learnt early on are difficult to resolve later. Reduced injury risk is maximised by combining proper instruction with experience. Have your own equipment checked regularly or use a reputable equipment hire company as advised by your rep or instructor.

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, don’t be afraid to go back to the hire shop. 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 can begin to set in. Wear adequate clothing, preferably in layers. Don’t forget good quality sunglasses, goggles and sunscreen.

Think about a helmet and other safety equipment– try FaceWest.

Helmets may help reduce the incidence of minor head injuries from glancing blows and swinging T-bars but there is no evidence that any helmet can prevent death when the wearer hits an object at 25mph or more (the average speed of most intermediate skiers). So don’t think your helmet makes you invincible- it doesn’t.

If you do decide to buy a helmet make sure it meets either Central European (CE) standard EN1077 or American standard Snell RS98. Whilst both are valid, the Snell standard is the more stringent. Look inside the helmet and check on the label that it does.

. Avoid excess alcohol – not surprisingly it reduces your reaction time and has a greater effect at altitude Never ski or board off-piste alone. Be aware of the prevailing avalanche risk and, if in doubt, consult a local guide before setting out. Carry an avalanche transceiver and know how to use it. Never attempt to ski or board down a closed piste. Not only do you run the risk of serious injury, but you could be prosecuted and be held liable for the costs of any rescue.

The F.I.S. Code of Conduct

Respect others: behave in such a way that you do not endanger or prejudice others

Ski/snowboard in control: taking account of conditions, ability and terrain

Choose a safe route: take account of all mountain users around you

Overtaking: leave enough room to allow the person you are overtaking to make an unexpected manoeuvre

Look both ways: when starting a run, entering a run or setting off again after a stop to make sure it is safe

Stopping on the piste: avoid stopping in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. Always move to the side of a piste if you have to stop.

Climbing and descending on foot: keep to the side of the piste at all times Obey all signs and markers: they are there for your safety – NEVER ski down a closed run At the scene of an accident: you are duty bound to assist

Witness: should you witness an accident it is your duty to assist the ski patrol with any relevant information

Additional information for alpine and telemark skiers