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It was February. Cobalt skies, snappy air, and a fresh blanket of snow. My friends and
I had hiked high above the last lift at Aspen Highlands in search of an untouched
powder cache, and we found it. Dropping off a cornice and into the steeps, I
immediately settled into a rhythm, the edges of my skis cutting through the knee-deep
powder like butter. Yelping with joy, I bounced by one tree, swerved around another
and I was buried, coughing snow from deep in my lungs, unable to hear, see or breathe.
I had skied under a buried branch, pinning my skis and boots underneath, and pitching
my body downhill and into the ground. At first I couldn’t tell up from down and began
to panic. I pushed against the ground but my arms just sank into the soft mass of snow.
With my feet trapped in my bindings I couldn’t move. Luckily a friend was there to
pull me out, not sparing me a few laughs from the rest of our crew.
Sound like just another ski story? Well consider the fact that every year in North
America roughly 40 skiers die and hundreds more are injured while skiing within a
resort’s boundaries. Skiing is a risky sport, but there are some basic things you can
do to decrease your chances of serious injury or death.
- Follow the buddy system.
No regression to grade school days here; skiing with a friend can save your life. If
I hadn’t been pulled from the depths I may have suffocated beneath the soft snow—more
than a handful of skiers die this way in the United States every year. Whether you
smack a tree, get buried in a tree-well, or sprain your knee, having a friend there
to get help might make all the difference.
- Know your limits.
Almost all ski-related injuries are the result of skiing too fast, and losing control.
Unfamiliar conditions or heavy snow, steep slopes, fatigue, crowds, and weather all
contribute to your ability to ski proficiently—so evaluate the environment around
you, and don’t get cocky. According to the National Ski Patrol more than 75 percent
of ski area deaths are the result of advanced skiers losing control while skiing the
margins of intermediate terrain.
- Tune your gear.
Keeping those edges sharp and bases waxed will help you make those crucial turns, not
to mention carry you safely over surprise ice patches. Adjust your bindings to match
both the conditions, and your weight and ability level. According to the National Ski
Patrol, a skier’s risk of tearing their ACL is about the same as a division one
college football player. Skiers are 365 times as likely to tear a knee ligament than
non-skiers. Tuning your equipment may be the thing that keeps you walking next summer.
- Dress appropriately.
Downhill skiing usually means you’re in the mountains, and mountain weather can be
unpredictable and extreme. Layer your clothing and strip down to stay cool in the hot
sun, but plan for the worst, and pile up should the clouds turn against you. Carry a
small pack, or keep supplies in a locker. Use goggles or sunglasses to protect
against UV radiation and blowing snow, and don’t be shy with the sunscreen.
- Camel up.
Staying hydrated and well energized are key to safety in winter outdoor exercise. The
fatigue that comes with dehydration or a skipped meal can leave you cold, or stranded,
or even affect your decision making in life-threatening situations. Drink regularly,
aiming for one quart each hour, even in cold conditions. And stock up on carbohydrates
whenever you get the chance. In the mountains, lots of fluid helps your body adjust
to changing altitudes and prevents associated sicknesses, headaches, and pulmonary
edema.
- Wear a helmet.
This is unconventional wisdom, to be sure, but think about it. You wouldn’t go for a
bike ride without one, but skiing speeds often exceed 50 mph. Helmets are becoming
the norm on slopes everywhere, and new designs are lightweight and comfortable. If
you like to ski the trees and the steeps, then a brain bucket is only common sense.
- Survive.
If you ski in a commercial area, the risks are substantially reduced but not
eliminated. Take your sport to the backcountry, and you’ll need advanced knowledge of
avalanche analysis, appropriate safety gear like shovels and transceivers, and a
first aid kit. Carry a cell phone if you have one, as well as basic medical supplies,
a map and compass, and an emergency blanket. Consider taking a backcountry safety
course at your local ski area or your local park ranger station.
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