Are You New to Skiing? Here Are Some Tips to Avoid Injuries

Colorado is home to some of the best mountains, and the more and more skiers and snowboarders are flocking to Denver area resorts. Over 24 million skiers visited the Rocky Mountain region in the 2018–19 winter season. While skiing is thrilling, exciting and action-packed, it is also inherently dangerous. 

Every ski season we get calls from clients looking for a Denver personal injury attorney after they sustained an injury. Don’t let a ski injury ruin a day at the slopes. Learn more about the most common ski injuries and how to avoid them. 

Respect Other Skiers and Snowboarders

One of the leading causes of skier accidents is other skiers. Skier collisions can cause traumatic injuries including; broken bones, concussions, herniated discs or even death. By learning the ski mountain “rules of the road” you can avoid these serious injuries. 

The ski area rules of the road include:

• Do not stop in the middle of the trail;
• Avoid “tailgating” everyone ahead of you has right of way;
• Obey all yield signs; 
• Make sure you are skiing in control and able to stop. 

These rules exist to keep you out of harm’s way. While some skier collisions are true accidents, many are caused when skiers and snowboarders barrel down the hill, ignoring all these rules. 

Read the Signs

At a ski area, signs are there to keep you safe. They can be warnings of hazardous conditions or that the trail is closed. Skiing on ungroomed or uneven terrain will increase your chance of falling. Falling while skiing can cause: 

• Knee injuries, tears and sprains
• Lower leg fractures
• Hand or wrist sprains
• Broken arms

Ski areas have a responsibility to keep you safe from known hazards, and often use signs to do so. Taking a minute to stop and read the signs can save you from a painful injury. 

Get the Right Equipment

Skier safety starts before you set foot on the mountain. Getting the right equipment is the first step to a successful ski day. Making sure your boots and skis are the right size and your bindings are in good shape will help you navigate the mountain safely.  If you do fall or collide with another skier, a helmet can prevent a life-changing head injury. Skiers of all levels should wear a helmet, they aren’t just for risk-takers. Wearing a helmet can protect against head injury as well as any bumps and bruises. 

When to Contact a Denver Personal Injury Attorney

If your ski accident involved an unmarked hazard or colliding with another skier, you may be entitled to compensation. A Denver personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and advise you of your rights. At Levine Law, we do not charge any fees or costs unless we win your case. If you think you may have a ski accident claim and want to know what your claim is worth, contact us to speak with an attorney about your case today.