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utThis site is not associated with any ski area. Use of any page
by Bill Jones, Ski Instructor CSW #19: "Skiing is dangerous." Yes, we can and do get hurt skiing. That is why there is a disclaimer at this site's Site Use Agreement. That is why there are ski patrols at ski areas and medical facilities at the bases of many. Skiers are likely to witness sleds carrying injured persons down to treatment and maywitness the accidents themselves. To help with this problem, ski patrols and slope traffic personnel may monitor activities and caution against unsafe practices. Warning signs are posted at known--but not all--hazardous sites. (I know of one ski area with such rugged terrain that they do not mark hazards at all, else their entire mountain would be covered with warnings.) There are also the Skier's Responsibility Code and state laws and even sheriffs on some slopes. The use of helmets in skiing is increasingly popular, although data on the degree of safety this provides is still being gathered. Other sports have dangers, too. I know many bicyclists and know that many have been injured. White-water rafters sometimes drown. Football has taken a toll on knees. Fly-fishermen have been swept downstream with their waders filled with water. Climbers expose themselves to obvious risks. I will post data here on relative dangers of various sports when found, and if you can help provide it, please do so. It seems logical that ski lessons would reduce the dangers of the sport, but I have no data on this. It also seems logical that skiing when fatigued would be more hazardous than when fresh, but again I have no data and it is possible that fresh skiers would take greater risks with greater danger. It also seems logical that focusing on one's skiing is less dangerous than thinking of unrelated matters. I know of one injury apparently caused by inattention due to thinking of what to prepare for dinner. For now, each of us must assess our own level of risk we are willing to take versus the rewards we get or expect to get from the sport. And there is the unquantifiable thought about what benefits we may get from exercise in the outdoors versus a more sedentary winter lifestyle. Please also see Slope Safety. main CSW contents
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