Skiing and Snowboarding Fun on the slopes bfu Swiss Council for Accident Prevention
Get smart about winter sports Switzerland is a winter sports country: more than 2.5 million people go either snowboarding or skiing. But, unlike the snows of yesteryear, the subject of safety should not be forgotten. This is all the more imperative since around 51 000 skiers and 14 000 snowboarders suffer accidents every year, some of which are fatal. In the event of a crash, an often achieved travelling speed of 50 kph has the same impact as a fall from 10 metres height. Important point: more than 90% of accidents are the skier s or snowboarder s own fault. Keep the fun in winter sports make sure that you and your equipment are in tiptop shape for the season and follow the rules when on the slopes. Injuries among skiers Injuries among snowboarders 16% head 15% head 16% shoulder upper arm 22% shoulder upper arm 10% trunk spine 12% trunk spine 12% lower arm hand 31% lower arm hand 6% hip upper leg 4% hip upper leg 34% knee 10% knee 16% lower leg ankle foot 10% lower leg ankle foot Injury localization per 100 casualties (incl. multiple injuries). 2
Winter sports have a unique appeal be it on account of the snowy mountain landscape or the opportunity to glide over varying terrain. The interplay of motion and centrifugal forces is truly captivating. Behaving in a considerate manner towards other piste users benefits everyone.
Get kitted out Safer snowsports start with your equipment. Points to note: Skis and Snowboard Have your gear checked over by an expert before every season and replace any outdated items of equipment that no longer satisfy safety requirements. Have your ski bindings adjusted every year and checked on a binding testing device. Note that you will have to state how fast you ski. Ask for advice if unsure. Ask for the printout of the settings and compare this with the information you provided. Check that the bfu sticker is affixed to one ski. Find a list of sports equipment retailers recommended by the bfu at www.skivignette.bfu.ch. Short skis are not a substitute for children s skis! They have no release bindings and may only be used by people taller than 150 cm. Short skis are not suitable for travelling at high speeds. Tighten up the screws on your snowboard bindings. Clothing and protective gear Your clothing should be appropriate, weatherproof, warm and comfortable. Wear a snowsports helmet and other protective gear where appropriate (see page 5). Don t forget to wear your contact lenses or prescription eyewear during snowsports activities. Wear snow goggles or sunglasses with sufficient UV protection. 4
Wrist protectors Always wear gloves with integral wrist protection or separate wrist protectors when snowboarding, particularly if you are a beginner. Ensure that the wrist protectors will protect your wrist against over-stretching and cushion any blows to the wrists and lower arms. Try on the wrist protectors before buying. They should be comfortable to wear and not restrict any normal movement or actions (e.g. zipping up your jacket). Snowsports helmet Snowsports helmets prevent many head injuries, are attractive, lightweight, comfortable and do not significantly impede either your hearing or field of vision. Choose a helmet with an EN 1077 safety standard label. Snowsports helmets that also comply with FIS safety standards offer even better protection. Snowsports helmets with MIPS technology act to reduce some rotational forces. Try it on yourself: put on the helmet leaving the chinstrap unfastened; the helmet should not wobble when you shake your head back and forth. The helmet should fit well and not feel uncomfortably tight, even if you are wearing goggles. Back protector A back protector gives you added protection, particularly in snow parks. There, the risk of back injury, e.g. when falling on hard objects (boxes and rails), is significantly greater than when simply moving freely on the slopes. However, a back protector offers little or no defence against excessive twisting of the spine or impacts that compress the spine. Try on the back protector before buying. It should fit snuggly and comfortably. Ask for expert advice. 5
Be prepared Fit for winter Snowsports place high demands on physical fitness. Many winter sports enthusiasts lack the strength, stamina and coordination to cope with anything but everyday movements. You can reduce the risk of an accident by preparing yourself well before the season starts. In particular, you should strengthen your core (trunk) and leg muscles and train your balance. Warm up Do a warm-up before hitting the slopes; this activates circulation, boosts your coordination skills and makes muscles and joints more supple. Focus on your run, since a lot of accidents happen towards midday or the end of the afternoon when you start to tire and your concentration begins to fade. On course If you are a beginner, learn the basic skills by taking a course at a snowsports school. Advanced skiers and snowboarders can improve their technique under the guidance of a snowsports instructor. 6
Act responsibly The 10 FIS rules of conduct apply to all users of downhill snowsports runs and special facilities and are binding according to standard law practice. Comply with them and make a major contribution towards safety on the pistes. FIS rules of conduct Basic rule 1. Respect others. Do not act in a way that endangers or harms anyone. Moving rules 2. Be in control adapt your manner of skiing or snowboarding to the range of visibility, your ability and the prevailing conditions. 3. If approaching from behind, do not impede the route of the skier or snowboarder ahead. 4. Leave a wide birth when overtaking. 5. Look up and down the slope before entering a piste, setting off or moving upwards to ensure that you are not endangering anyone. Stopping / climbing 6. Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can be easily seen. 7. Keep to the edge of the piste when climbing up or down. Signs 8. Obey all signs and markings. Conduct in the event of an accident 9. Provide help and alert the rescue service. 10. If you are involved or a witness, you must provide your name and address. Additional SKUS guidelines for snowboarders Going snowboarding? Then take note of 2. Remove your back leg from the binding these 3 additional rules issued by the Swiss when using ski- and chairlifts. Commission for the Prevention of Accidents 3. With alpine-type bindings, attach the on Snowsports Runs (SKUS): front leg firmly to the board with a safety 1. Place your snowboard upside down leash. (binding facing downwards) on the snow when not in use. 7
Conduct in snow parks 1. Look before you leap Before you set off, inspect all obstacles and check that the landing area is clear. After landing, exit the landing area as quickly as possible. 2. Plan your run Consider in advance which elements you intend to use. Your speed, approach and take-off have a direct impact on the trick and the landing.?! 3. Easy does it Start with the small elements and build up your skills to take on the larger elements (medium to large). 4. Respect engenders respect Be considerate of other park users and respect nature. This means not endangering other park users, complying with the park rules and not leaving litter behind. Give a hand signal before you set off on your run. Start small and work your way up should be your motto Snow park beginners should start with small elements. They are mobile and have a low fall height. 8
Using mountain transport facilities Cable car and piste services ensure safe wintertime fun. Follow the instructions of the operating staff and pay attention to signage. Make an important contribution to safety by using these installations properly: Chairlifts Close the safety bar. Children under 125 cm tall must be accompanied by an adult. Carry your rucksack in your lap during the ride. Tow lifts Keep in the track. If you fall, exit the track immediately. Only disembark at the terminal. Look out for motor vehicles In exceptional circumstances, motor vehicles may be in use during piste operating hours. It is essential to avoid collisions. Give right of way to motor vehicles. Keep sufficient distance away. Signal clearly if you cannot avoid the vehicle. Download the Spids app free of charge and scan this page to view the snow park video. 9
Obey markings and signage Use the marked snowsports runs they are secured against avalanche and fall risks. A distinction is made between pistes, downhill runs and special facilities. Are you familiar with the most important markings and signage? Pistes Pistes are groomed, controlled and marked according to degree of difficulty. Individual sections may be designated as reduced speed zones with yellow SLOW tape: Downhill routes These descents are neither prepared nor controlled, intended for experienced users and marked yellow. Blue: easy piste Yellow: for experienced skiers and snowboarders Red: intermediate piste Special facilities Special facilities such as snow parks, snow slopes, kids parks and race slopes are marked as such and distinguished from the downhill routes. Black: difficult piste Tape for reduced speed zones 10
Closed pistes and descents Pistes and descents are closed and thus access prohibited to users outside ski lift operating hours for maintenance, preparation and if necessary avalanche blasting operations. Crossings Important: piste users approaching from the right do not have right of way at crossings. Be considerate of and communicate with your fellow piste users. Adapt your speed, in particular at difficult or poorly visible crossings. A closed piste or descent (e.g. because of avalanche risk) during operating hours is marked as follows: on information panels with red warning lights, on runs with access prohibited signs and, gesperrt barré chiuso closed in addition, with marker ropes and flags. Prohibited: closed General Crossing descents and danger Danger spots Local danger spots on pistes are marked with flags and poles and, if necessary, routes must under no circumstances be used! closed. 11
Reduce the avalanche risk Safe powder fun on downhill routes Open yellow downhill routes are ideal for avalanche-safe powder runs. These descents are secured against avalanches but neither prepared nor controlled. Even on marked downhill routes, we recommend that you: never set off alone. be extra-vigilant in poor visibility. carry a charged mobile phone. attend a course to improve your powder snow skiing technique. Find more information and a video about downhill runs and free-riding at www.bfu.ch or in the brochure 3.028 off-piste (only available in German, French and Italian) at www.bestellen.bfu.ch. 12
Avalanche risk in open terrain Any terrain beyond pistes and downhill routes is open terrain with additional dangers. Winter sports enthusiasts looking for that extra kick off-piste, away from the marked trails, must be capable of assessing the associated fall and avalanche risk. Be thoroughly informed The avalanche risk is dependent on the prevailing weather conditions, terrain and individual conduct. It is difficult to judge the avalanche risk on the spot. Assessing the individual factors requires specific knowledge and experience. Take one of the avalanche training courses offered by mountain guides and other organisations. Educate yourself by reading the relevant avalanche literature or visiting the interactive platform www.whiterisk.ch. Gain experience under the guidance of avalanche experts. Know the score Make sure you have current information on snow and weather conditions: Avalanche bulletin at www.slf.ch and on your smartphone with the free SLF app White Risk. Weather reports Freeride checkpoints Ski patrol and rescue services Warning lights: these signs and flashing warning lights are switched on when the danger on the five-level scale is 3 considerable or higher in off-piste areas. Adopt defensive behaviour If you are knowledgeable about avalanche hazards, follow the recommendations in the avalanche bulletin and choose descents exhibiting a low risk. From danger level 3 considerable and higher, for example, avoid steep slopes in the exposed aspects and elevations mentioned in the bulletins. From danger level 3 at most and higher, those with no specific experience or knowledge should stay on the opened downhill routes or pistes this is when the avalanche situation becomes critical, making a prudent and knowledgeable choice of route crucial. Spontaneous or indirectly triggered, often large, avalanches are likely from danger level 4 high upwards. Refrain from venturing out on open terrain during these few days. Carry emergency equipment Carry an avalanche transceiver (rescue beacon), probe and shovel and a charged mobile phone. Additional emergency systems, e.g. avalanche airbags, are recommended. 13
Respect nature Forest and wild animal protection zones Nature provides open spaces for fabulous experiences. Treat it with due respect. Information panels show the forest and wild animal protection zones that you must not pass through. Forest and wild animal protection zones are marked as shown. If you do not respect the forest and wild animal protection zones, your lift ticket/ snowsports subscription may be cancelled and you may be punished with a fine. This misconduct can also be prosecuted under criminal law. Information panel Flags 14
Provide assistance Secure the accident area Secure the accident area: mark it with crossed skis or post someone to warn others if necessary. Give first aid Provide first aid: establish the general condition of the casualty, position them correctly, attend to any wounds and protect them against the cold. Alert the rescue services Alert the local ski patrol and rescue services directly. You can also alert rescue services by calling the European emergency No. 112 or through an emergency app. Establish the facts Note the accident circumstances, particularly in the event of a collision, and the names and addresses of all those involved as well as the location, time, snow and visibility conditions, markings and signage. You are obliged to provide assistance in the event of an accident. Top 3 tips at a glance: Check and maintain your equipment regularly and have your ski bindings adjusted before every ski season. Adapt your speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to your ability and the prevailing piste conditions. Wear a properly fitting snowsports helmet. 15
Live safely: your bfu. 3.002.08 09.2017 The bfu is committed to safety by public appointment. As the Swiss Competence Centre for Accident Prevention, it conducts research in the sectors road traffic, sport, home and leisure and passes on its knowledge to individuals and specialist circles by means of advisory services, training sessions and communications. More about accident prevention at www.bfu.ch. www.socialmedia.bfu.ch Further information We also recommend the following brochures (only available in German, French and Italian): 3.001 Tobogganing 3.009 Swimming 3.010 Mountain hiking 3.018 Cycling 3.020 Mountain biking 3.028 Going off-piste 3.086 Diving on vacation 3.121 E-bikes 3.166 Backcountry skiing 3.167 Snowshoe trekking These brochures or publications on other topics can be obtained free of charge or downloaded as a PDF at www.bfu.ch. Images: Marc Weiler (www.marcweiler.ch) bfu 2017, may be reproduced if source is stated; printed on FSC paper bfu Swiss Council for Accident Prevention, P.O. Box, CH- 3001 Berne Tel. +41 31 390 22 22, Fax +41 31 390 22 30, info@bfu.ch, www.bfu.ch