In addition to physical fitness, other factors play an important role in skiing in order to return from the slopes safe and sound. Easily a descent ends in the hospital instead of at the bottom station if you rely solely on your physical fitness. Good equipment, protection of the skin against the sun as well as the cold, and abstaining from alcohol or drugs such as cocaine create the basis for a skiing experience without painful disadvantages for one’s health.
Equipment and skiing
Skis, ski boots and ski bindings must be technically sound and should be checked regularly. The binding must be adjusted individually according to size and weight. If this sits too loosely, it can come off completely even when making faster turns, possibly leading to serious falls with negative consequences for health. Especially for beginners or skiers who rarely ski, renting sports equipment from a specialized shop or ski school is ideal.
By the way: In Germany, helmets are not compulsory on the slopes, unlike in Italy. However, wearing a helmet is recommended by doctors and experts and sometimes even required as a duty. Many skiers who already wear a helmet now are not only enthusiastic about the safety aspect, but also about the fact that a helmet can equally protect against cold, sleet and sun.
Skiing: Protect skin from the sun
Most skiers love to enjoy fresh air as well as sun in addition to skiing. This is not a problem, as long as the skin is intensively supplied with sunscreen beforehand. This is because snow and ice in particular can reflect sun rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. The risk of cold to the skin should also not be underestimated.
So to protect the skin perfectly from both the sun and the cold, there are sunscreens that also provide protection against the cold. Sunblock and greasy protective cream for the lips are also part of a skier’s utensils. Sunglasses also not only protect against the sun, but can also prevent inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by drafts.
Alcohol while skiing
For most skiers, a successful ski vacation also includes the so-called après ski with music, dancing and usually alcohol. Again and again, however, alcohol drunk while skiing leads to serious accidents, as self-assessment can be impaired by the influence of alcohol.
And not only that the lack of self-assessment can put other skiers in danger on the slopes. Alcohol, in combination with cold, can also increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Even though there are no per mille limits on German slopes to date, it is still highly advisable to avoid alcohol completely when skiing.
