| g is certainly one of the most enjoyable and exciting | | | | the majority of serious issues that occur on the |
| sports in the world. Millions of people each year | | | | slopes involve head injuries. For that reason, wearing |
| descend on the slopes of Colorado ski resorts and | | | | a proper ski helmet is an absolute must for beginning |
| mountains around the United States to enjoy the | | | | and advanced skiers alike. |
| exhilarating ride that is downhill skiing. | | | | 4. Wear sunglasses or sun goggles. The sun shines |
| But as the recent death of Natasha Richardson | | | | bright on the slopes. And factor in the glare that |
| illustrates in the most horrible way possible, downhill | | | | comes off the mountain itself and it is easy to see |
| skiing can be dangerous. Individuals who attempt to | | | | how the sunshine can easily impair your vision while |
| take on the slopes without proper instruction or a | | | | downhill skiing. Wearing sunglasses helps you keep |
| working knowledge of basic safety procedures are | | | | your vision straight and avoid eye strain associated |
| putting themselves at risk for serious injury. | | | | squinting. |
| With that in mind, we hope that you consider the | | | | 5. Never consumer drugs or alcohol before hitting the |
| following information before you even strap on your | | | | slopes. Downhill skiing requires lightning fast reflexes |
| skis this season. | | | | and accurate decision making. Trying to ski while |
| Safety Tips for Skiing | | | | under the influence of drugs and alcohol can cause |
| 1. Get in good shape. It is one of the most | | | | bad judgment and potentially devastating accidents. |
| overlooked elements of ski safety, yet also one of | | | | 6. Wear layered clothing. Weather conditions can |
| the most important. Being in good physical shape | | | | change quickly on the mountain. In order to maintain |
| before you ski can help avert common injuries. | | | | comfort – and keep from overheating |
| Experts have found that the more tired you are | | | | – it is important to wear layers upon layers of |
| during a run, the more likely it is that you will make a | | | | clothing that can be shed quickly if needed. |
| mistake and get injured. | | | | 7. Drink lots of water. It is very easy to become |
| 2. Take lessons. Some people are filled with bravado | | | | dehydrated while you are out on the slopes. Drink |
| and think that they can hit the slopes without ever | | | | lots of water before and after your ski run in order |
| taking an organized lesson. This is a recipe for | | | | to keep yourself properly hydrated. |
| disaster. It is absolutely essential to take lessons | | | | 8. Understand your limits. Many people will push |
| from a trained professional ski instructor before | | | | themselves past the point of exhaustion while on the |
| hitting the slopes. They will be able to provide you | | | | slopes. It is very easy to get caught up in the |
| with the knowledge and skills needed to enjoy the | | | | moment and quickly become fatigued – thus |
| run more and respond properly to unexpected | | | | greatly increasing the chances of making a mistake |
| situations. | | | | and succumbing to injury. |
| 3. Always wear a helmet. It seems fairly obvious, but | | | | |