Winter sports: a season without accidents
Many people like to spend holidays in the mountains and on the slopes. It does not matter if skiing, snowboarding or sledding: snow sports are good for your health. Below, to prepare you for the best, we reveal some tips and advice on equipment and the right attitude to be taken on the track and away from the track.
The Accident Prevention Office (UPI) estimates that around 1.7 million Swiss people practice skiing or snowboarding, of which approx. 50 500 are injured. In 90 percent of the cases, these are incidents without third party involvement.
A proper training before the start of the season allows you to prepare yourself better and prevent any injuries.
Optimal preparation
• Before the winter season, train your strength, strength, and mobility. With a good basic condition, you can, in fact, prevent the body from straining quickly and dealing with any critical situations on the track better.
• Resistance can be effectively increased by cycling, jogging or walking for an average intensity of about 30 minutes, at least two or three times a week.
• Furthermore, it is advisable to strengthen and stretch the muscles once or twice a week. SUVA's "Top 10" exercise program focuses on strengthening the musculature of the torso and legs, which is particularly stressed in winter sports.
Other suggestions
• Before the season starts, have your ski bindings checked and adjusted at a specialized store. Apply the wax and make sure the edges are well sharpened.
• Make sure your equipment is adequate: helmet, back protector, ski goggles and parasols (for snowboarders) are a must.
• Beginners and people who start skiing again after a long time should attend a ski course.
• Do some warm-up exercise before going downhill or after a prolonged stop (also on the ski lift), in order to prevent injuries.
• Adjust speed and technique to weather conditions and track conditions. Choose a speed that suits your skills and takes regular breaks.
• On the track, follow the rules of conduct of the FIS.
• The SUVA "Slope Track" app records your downhill and personal speed, as well as offering valuable tips on how to reduce your risk of an accident.
• With a simple button, the SWICA Health App connects you directly to the main emergency numbers and contains instructions for first aid.