Although we talked about how relatively safe skiing is, when skiing accidents happen they can be life altering and therefore, as with everything in life, it’s important to take all reasonably measures to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Did you know there are 10 legally binding rules for skiers and snowboarders? The International Ski Federation (FIS) established the following code of conduct for the slopes. Failure to comply with the code resulting in an skiing or snowboarding accident could see you facing a negligence claim.
The Ten Rules of Skiing Conduct
- Respect for others: Do not endanger or prejudice others
- Control: Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain
- Choice of route: The skier/snowboarder in front has priority - leave enough space
- Overtaking: Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/snowboarder
- Entering and starting: Look up and down the mountain each time before starting or entering a marked run
- Stopping: Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can easily be seen
- Climbing: When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of the piste
- Signs: Obey all signs and markings - they are there for your safety
- Assistance: In case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service
- Identification: All those involved in a Skiing accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses.
Other Things to Consider Include
Insurance Cover
It’s important to make sure that your travel insurance covers the sporting activities you are thinking of doing. The most comprehensive travel insurance policies will offer at least £2 million of medical cover and include the cost of an air ambulance to get you home, should this be required
Get Fit Before You GoIf you spend most of your time sat behind a desk or on a sofa then it stands to reason that your body may find a day on the slopes difficult to cope with, let alone an entire week of it. Try to increase your fitness before you go and you will enjoy the experience more. It’s also important to warm up before and after a day on the slopes, just as you would a run.
Wear a HelmetWhile there is still a lack of evidence around this one, let common sense prevail. You wouldn’t ride a bike at 30-40mph without a helmet, so don’t take to slopes without one. A 2011 British Medical Journal study from the University of Innsbruck suggested helmet use reduced head injuries by 35% in adults and 59% in children under 13. The same study showed 74% of head injuries occurred when skiers hit their head on the snow, 10% when they collided with each other and 13% when they collided with fixed objects. And it’s not only a major impact that can lead to death or disability from a head injury, even minor bangs can have serious consequences.
Save the Alcohol for the EveningsIt’s not rocket science, we all know that alcohol slows reactions and removed inhibitions, so it’s the not the best idea to drink & ski. And it’s not only you it affects; crashing into someone else could cause them serious injury. If that’s not enough to make you think twice then maybe this is; injured skiers, particularly in France, may well find themselves breathalysed on arrival in hospital so read the small print of your insurance policy – you may not be covered in the event of an accident.
Piste SafetyNever venture off-piste unless accompanied by a qualified guide. Once outside the patrolled and prepared pistes of a ski resort the risks are magnified. Research shows that only about half those involved in ski accidents are carrying basic ski safety equipment such as avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels and avalanche airbag rucksacks. And worryingly, a high proportion of those with receivers have little or no idea how to use them to find a companion trapped in an avalanche. The chances of survival drop dramatically after the first 15 minutes, it’s just not worth the risk.
Snow / Terrain ParksThese are proving more and more popular, and many resorts now have one providing rails, boxes, kickers, pipes and a host of other features. The most usual reason for skiing injury in a terrain park is a fall from a great height, and those injured in a terrain park were 23% more likely to need hospitalisation. It is therefore important to wear appropriate equipment. These include, at the very least: spine protectors, impact shorts, and helmets. No parent should ever allow their teenage child into a terrain park without a ski helmet and spine protector.
We Can Help
We hope that by following by above you have a happy and safe holiday, however if you are unfortunate enough to suffer a skiing injury then you may be entitled to make a claim for personal injury compensation. Our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
If You Have a Genuine Claim, Contact a Genuine Company.
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/330423/The-10-Rules-of-Skiing-Conduct
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