Increasing snowboarding and skiing-related injuries

Skiers and snowboarders are increasing in number annually. As the participants for these sports increase so do the number of injuries. More awareness is being placed on ski and snowboard safety.

During the course of a year an estimated 11 million skiers and 4 million snowboarders in the United States alone are on the slopes at least once. The average number of visits to the slopes is around 60 million. For every 1000 skier visits, there are around 2.5 serious medical injuries. This comes out to one injury every 430 days of sking and snowboarding. The death rate of snowboarders is 40 percent lower than alpine skiers, they are more likely to be hit by skiers gone out of control than the other way around.

When skiers fall they slide a lot which causes them to be three to 4four times more likely to crash into someone or something. A snowboard on the other hand acts more like a seat anchor, preventing sliding. A fatal accident usually is caused from hitting something.

The most common injury faced by skiers is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains. Those who were injured skied more years, but fewer days per year, were more likely to be female, are older, and fell less often.

Before you begin snowboarding or skiing, it is wise to attend some classes from a qualified instructor. Also make certain you have the proper equipment. After all you are responsible for your own safety. The safer you are the more fun you will have on the slopes. A piece of mind giving