Tips for the ski day

Little snow, hard slopes: some serious accidents

On the afternoon of January 1st, a rescue helicopter team was deployed in the Bodental valley.(Bild: Clara Milena Steiner)

Artificial snow becomes the perfect slope with natural fresh snow, but at the moment Mother Hulda is not in the picture and the slopes are rather hard, become icy more easily, make the descent fast and in the event of a fall, the soft buffer zone at the edge of the slope is often missing.

There are currently some serious skiing accidents. On the Grebenzen, a twelve-year-old suffered serious abdominal injuries on New Year's Day after falling on the piste. On the Weinebene (Carinthia), air rescuers rescued an eleven-year-old. At Nassfeld, a 23-year-old skier from Italy and a Slovenian girl (16) collided on piste 65. The teenager was injured and had to be flown to Villach LKH by the ARA3 helicopter team. There was also an incident in Bodental: two children went off the piste with their toboggan and crashed into a wooden fence. The six-year-old had to be flown to hospital, while the two-year-old was treated as an outpatient.

Fewer accidents, but more serious injuries
"Although the number of accidents on the slopes is decreasing, they are becoming more serious," says the ÖAMTC, which often rescues injured amateur skiers from the slopes with its rescue helicopter teams. Ski helmets, back protectors and adherence to the rules of the slopes significantly reduce the risk of accidents, the ÖAMTC appeals to all winter sports enthusiasts.

Although the number of accidents on the slopes is decreasing, their severity is increasing.

ÖAMTC

Further tips
Adapt your speed to your ability and the snow conditions! The speed must always remain manageable. Slippery slopes, hard snow and ever-improving equipment often lead to excessive speed.

A day's skiing lasting several hours is exhausting for amateur skiers. From many years of experience, the ÖAMTC emergency helicopter crews know that most skiing accidents happen between 2 and 4 pm. In addition to tiredness, excessive alcohol consumption sometimes plays a role.

Especially when overtaking, following each other and entering a slope, you have to watch out for others. You should only stop in places with good visibility and at the edge of the slope. You must keep a safe distance from snow groomers in particular. 

Avalanche warnings must be taken seriously. The last descent into the valley should be made in daylight and before the final inspection run by the piste service. Avalanche warnings must be observed at all times.