With the cold of winter already hitting Sydney and the ski fields, a lot of Australians are getting ready to book a ski trip with dreams of white snow-covered mountains. Whether you are a skier or a snowboarder, getting snow ready will help avoid accidents, bringing your trip to a sudden halt.
Getting Snow Ready
Skiing and snowboarding are very physically demanding sports and so one important thing you can do to prevent injuries on a skiing holiday is to condition your body well. Prepare your body before your trip with strength, endurance, flexibility and balance exercises. Whilst you are on your holiday, prepare your body for the slopes daily by doing a 10-15 min warm up with some simple exercises such as star jumps, squats and stretches. It is beneficial to stretch and cool down at the end of the skiing session to avoid feeling stiff and pain when hitting the slopes the next day.
Most skiing injuries reported on the slopes result from falls. While it is impossible to prepare yourself for every scenario of falling, ensuring that you have the recommended protective gear, such as a helmet and googles, and ensuring that your equipment is correctly fitted by a professional can help you avoid injury or minimise the severity of the injury sustained. Also, ensure that the equipment is in good condition. You can also hire guards for the wrist, knees and buttocks from most ski resorts.
No matter what level of skiing or snowboarding you are at, having a lesson is valuable for not only enhancing your skills but also for teaching how to fall correctly to reduce the risk of injury. Reaching out to stop your fall with your hand can lead to fractures or dislocations of the shoulder, elbow and wrist.
Always ski responsibly. Trying to quickly squeeze in one last run of the day before the light fades or the bus leaves increases your risk of having an accident. With fatigue setting in from the day of skiing combined with a degree of recklessness in order to beat the clock, results in skiers and snowboarders skiing beyond their limits and control. Instead, it is advisable to end your session and spend some time cooling down and stretching in preparation for the following day.
It is also wise to refrain from skiing on runs that are beyond your skill level, always make sure that someone knows where you are skiing and for how long, and be aware of the other skiers around you at all times. The key to having a great skiing holiday is to stay safe.
If you are planning a snow holiday and you are unsure if your body is physically prepared for the slopes, come in and see one of our experienced Physiotherapists for an assessment and rehabilitation plan individually designed for you.
For further information, please refer to:
Source: Western Journal of Medicine
Title: Advice from a Snowboarding Instructor
Read Time: 5 Minutes