Defensive Skiing — how to Avoid Accidents and Injury

For the novice - falling frequently it part of the game. There are two types of falls - the anticipated one when you're out of control, and the sudden and unexpected fall.

Relax and become limp - don't fight it, and try to fall sideways. After a fall, take a rest. Avoid collisions at all costs, because all hell is let loose in the tangle. There are golden rules here. First, never stop immediately above a stationary skiier on the slope. Your stop may not be a stop, collision then is inevitable. Stop to the side, or swing below a stationary skiier.

Secondly - keep off the ski trail when you stop for a breather. If you are poised in the middle of a trail, just under the brow of a rise, or just around the corner, you'll cop it every time. Collisions can really hurt and its the stationary skiier who usually takes the injury.

Skiing is a vigorous sport, the unfit and more prone to accident and injury. If you're a fitness buff or play a regular winter sport, you're not -you are crazy not to do some pre-ski fitness work. It's simple. The great advantage is that your progress over the first couple of days is tremendous. You are not held back while unknown muscles are stretched and strengthened.

Keep out of high heeled shoes for a few weeks before you go up the mountain - you want your calf muscles stretched.

Run up and down stairs - don't use the elevators for a good month prior to the trip. Use a bicycle, run occasionally, go for a few hill walks to stretch your leg muscles.

In addition to this - accept the need for specific ski exercises. The Recreation Centre provides you with regular sessions - if you can manage to get along, there's nothing better. If the gym classes are not for you, then compromise by doing your own exercises. Spend ten minutes each day for one month prior to your trip away.

In addition to these simple exercises you can strengthen up a little more by hopping around on one foot for a while, then do a few press-ups until it hurts.