One of the most important aspects of skiing is safety. As a physical activity it is necessary to take certain precautions to avoid any accidents on the slopes. However, there is no need to think of skiing as anything other than a fun and exhilarating sport – so long as you’re aware of the right way to do it. When skiing with children, safety is especially important, but teaching them the basics of skiing safety and making sure they are aware of any dangers is quite simple, so you don’t have to worry too much. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your family safe on the slopes so that when you book your family ski holidays with us you’re fully prepared.
Staying Safe While Skiing
1. Lessons
If children have a good level of skiing knowledge, there may be no need for lessons. However, if your children have only been a few times before, or not at all, then booking lessons to build their confidence and teach them the various do’s and don’ts of skiing safety can be beneficial.
2. Ski Safety Equipment: Clothing & Protection
The best way to stay safe during any slips or tumbles is to make sure children have the appropriate clothing and protective gear. Essential items for a safe time on the slopes:
- Ski jacket – The thicker the better, this will soften the impact of any falls.
- Vests – There are various protective vests, including junior versions, that have a lot of padding and will prevent any impact being too severe.
- Helmets – These are very useful for obvious reasons, particularly for children who are less experienced and more likely to fall or advanced skiers who take more risks.
- Sun Visors – It’s very bright on the slopes so protective eyewear is absolutely essential. This helps not only to protect children’s eyes from the sun, but also to see and navigate more safely.
- Pads – Knee impacts are among the most common that occur whilst skiing and can help prevent injury or bruising.
3. Play it Safe
One of the best ways to keep safe is to stick to safer and less dramatic slopes. Although big runs are fun, they are also more likely to result in an injury. Generally, it’s wise to emphasise to children the importance of safety and that being overly-rambunctious can lead to accidents.
4. Skiing Etiquette & Codes of Conduct
There are numerous ways to be careful, but the most important is to be respectful of other skiers. Bear the following in mind:
- Overtaking – Always leave plenty of space and make sure that you can be clearly seen.
- Signs – Following the instructions of signage is very important.
- Stopping – It’s important to only stop on the side of the slope or somewhere you are clearly visible.
- Boundaries – Stick to boundaries, they are clearly delineated and marked out to keep skiers safe.
- Respect – Be respectful of other skiers and don’t do anything silly, it’s their right to enjoy themselves safely too so endangering others with excessive speed or other reckless behaviour is not good etiquette.
It can be very exhilarating going down a slope at high speeds, but the need for safety is important. Try to make sure your children understand this, and lead by example – it’s not just about safety it’s about being polite and courteous too.
5. Rest & Recovery
Skiing can be stressful on your body, particularly your legs and knees. It’s important to recognise when you’ve had enough, and let your body recover. This will ensure you are able to ski comfortably for the rest of your holiday! It can be a good idea to have an ‘off day’ from skiing, depending on the length of your trip to allow your body to rest properly. Some ways to make sure you get sufficient rest and recovery are:
- Sleep – Children need sleep at the best of times, but to keep them energised enough to ski happily it’s important to make sure they get plenty of sleep.
- Food – You need sustenance to make sure that you’re full of beans next time you’re on the slopes. Make sure you are eating the right foods and take high-energy snacks such as nuts and cereal bars with you when out on the slopes.
- Pacing – You could quite easily exhaust yourself on the first morning skiing, it’s a good idea to ease yourself in, and keep the first day a little bit more subdued so you can get used to the exercise and then gradually build yourself up.
It’s all about easing yourself into the skiing situation, this will give you a much more balanced experience. You can even find relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments in resorts such as Les Gets, a great way to rest and recover for grown ups.
Skiing Safety
When planning your holiday you should look for skiing resorts that take every step to make your experience as safe as possible, and provide a range of services including first aid and medical attention if necessary – so if you do have an accident you’ll be well looked after. The main thing to remember is that you really should just stay sensible, there’s no reason to put yourself or others at risk.
It’s just something you don’t want to take chances with, so if you keep the above points in mind – you’re much more likely to have a safe, fun time on the slopes, and ensure your holiday doesn’t get cut short! Check out the rest of our blog for more skiing tips and advice. You could also check out our FAQs section, and if you have any further enquiries just contact us.