NEW ZEALAND 106 People Injured Every Day on the Slopes

More than 13,000 people injured themselves skiing or snowboarding last year, which is the equivalent of approximately 106 injuries a day during the ski season, according to a report from New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

 

 

ACC received nearly 7,600 claims for ski-related injuries and about 5,600 claims from snow boarding-related injuries. (WCxKit)

 

 

Otago saw the most injury claims (6,400), followed by Manawatu-Wanganui (2,764) and Canterbury (1,738).

 

 

Now the snow has arrived, ACC wants people to enjoy the ski season and stay injury free. “Skiing and snow boarding are great ways to get fit and have fun. But every winter thousands of people suffer from preventable strains, sprains, and other injuries sustained on the slopes,” said ACC injury prevention manager Peter Wood. “Injuries can be prevented by being in peak condition before you hit the slopes. Hill running, walking, and cycling are good general exercises for the muscles you use in skiing or snow boarding,” he added.

 

 

Strains, sprains, and bruising are the most common type of injury for skiers, according to ACC statistics, and the body parts they are most likely to injure are the knees, suggesting that many injuries are as a result of falls.

 

 

Snowboarders are more likely to hurt their wrists and suffer from fractures or dislocations. Knowing how to fall can cut your chances of actually getting hurt. “We all fall over at some stage so it is good to know how to fall safely as this can make the difference between a spot of embarrassment and a painful injury that prevents you from enjoying this winter’s ski season,” Wood said.