Skiing & Snowboarding Safety

DON'T USE YOUR BRAINS FOR BRAKES!

When you head for the hills this winter… Plan-it Safe…

Outdoor recreational activities are plentiful here in the Nation's Capital. Some popular winter activities include downhill skiing and snowboarding. Unfortunately, every year hundreds of people are injured and many require medical attention from these activities.

While we don't want to discourage people from getting outdoors and having some fun, we would like people to be aware of the potential dangers that do exist. By planning-it safe you can enjoy the benefits of being physically active and limit your risk of injury.

Children and youth (aged 13-17 years) have the highest incidence of injury in the skiing population, and those on school-sponsored ski programs may have an even higher incidence of injury. Encourage children and youth to ski safely, wear proper equipment and take smart risks.

Tips...

• Wear the gear! Wear a Snell RS-98, Snell S-98 or ASTM F-2040 approved winter sports helmet that fits properly. It should be snug yet comfortable.
• Choose proper fitting equipment. You can have equipment adjusted at a local sport store or on the hill.
• Dress in layers. This will allow you to alter your temperature level throughout the day.
• Wear proper clothing: gloves, neck warmer, helmet, waterproof jacket and pants (NO jeans, they will not keep you warm and dry if they get wet), long underwear, and sweater should do the trick.
• Wear eye protection that will block out both UV A & B rays. Goggles or sunglasses are enough to block some of the glare of the snow and ice. If you Wear glasses, you should always wear them on the slopes.
• Bring lip balm and sunscreen for your face. Snow and ice are powerful reflectors of the sun.
• Drink plenty of water and eat before you go out to the hill.
• Get trained. Take a lesson. Instructors will be able to teach you the basics, such as how to stop, turn, fall safely, get-up and the rules of the ski hill.
• Look at a map of the hill for the level of difficulty of the various runs.
• Keep an eye on those skiing downhill from you. If they fall, you might have to move out of the way quickly.
• Quit when you get tired. A lot of injuries happen on the last run.
• Watch out for obstacles, jumps, barriers and other skiers.

Avoid...

• Hills that are beyond your level. Keep your eyes on the hill, and watch for unexpected jumps and moguls.
• Placing sharp items in your pockets (i.e. keys and combs). They have the potential to poke you if you fall.
• Stopping in the middle of the run. If you must stop, head to the side of the hill.
• Unmarked or closed trails.
• Areas where there are a lot of tree