Avoid Ski Injuries This Winter: Safety Tips for All Abilities
Winter is here, and it’s time to hit the slopes! Residents of Idaho and Utah welcome the ski season each year as a chance to experience a rush unlike any other, all while communing with nature in the beautiful and picturesque snow-capped mountain vistas found at area ski resorts. For skiers and snowboarders it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
However, a fun day on the slopes can quickly go downhill if you or someone in your group suffers a ski injury. No matter your ability level, these safety tips can go a long way towards preventing you from injuring yourself on the slopes this winter.
Stretch Before Skiing- As any seasoned winter sports enthusiast can tell you, skiing and snowboarding are intense, demanding activities that require a lot of agility, stamina and physical fitness. Because of this, it is important to stretch a bit before hitting the slopes to warm up your muscles and joints. A variety of ski injuries, such as torn muscles and ligaments, pulled tendons, or back issues can easily be prevented if you go into your first run of the day with proper stretching techniques.
Be Properly Conditioned– Whether you are an experienced skier who enjoys the black diamond slopes or a beginner hitting the bunny slope for the first time, you need to make sure your body is properly conditioned before a day of skiing or snowboarding. Ski injuries are more likely to occur if a skier or snowboarder is exhausted from the stamina and endurance it takes to complete each run. By keeping up with a regular fitness regimen in the months leading up to ski season, you can make sure you’ve got the stamina to get through a day of skiing without becoming dangerously tired.
Don’t Push Yourself– Experienced skiers and snowboarders like to challenge themselves with each trip to the mountains, and that is all part of what makes skiing and snowboarding fun winter sports. However, there is such a thing as “too much.” Trying a black diamond slope when you are at a beginner level, attempting a complicated jump or trying to keep up with more experienced friends can all lead to ski injuries that could easily have been prevented. Try to stay within your comfort zone for most of your ski adventure, and ask for help from a ski or snowboarding instructor if you want to try to pull off a more advanced move.
Get a Good Fit- If you’re just starting out on the slopes, chances are you’ll hit the ski and snowboard rental shop for your equipment. Make sure that all of your gear is the right size and fits snugly and securely. Ill-fitting ski boots, too-long skis or poles, or lack of a helmet can all lead to potentially serious ski injuries.
Morgan Law Firm wishes all of our Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho- area residents a happy and safe ski and snowboarding season. If you find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney due to a ski injury caused by another party, call David L. Morgan at 208-789-2098 to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Morgan Law Firm is here to help you with your ski injury claim so you can get back to what matters most!
