Skiing Safety Tips

Skiing is an exciting and fun winter activity. But it can also lead to injuries, some of them serious. To stay safe on the slopes, follow these safety tips.

Staying Safe & Preventing Injuries

What Safety Gear Do I Need?

The right gear and equipment can help prevent injuries. Be sure you have: 

Skis, Poles, Boots & Bindings

Get your skis, poles, boots, and bindings (gear that attaches boots to the board). These should be fitted for you by a trained professional. 

Helmet

You'll need a helmet that’s made for skiing and that fits you properly. Be sure to always keep the chin strap fastened while skiing.

Goggles

Goggles should fit and block 100% of UV rays to help prevent eye injuries from the sun (even on cloudy days because the sun’s rays still reach you) and snow blindness. This painful eye condition can happen when sunlight reflects off ice and snow. You can wear close-fitting sunglasses instead, but goggles help you see better if it rains or snows. Goggles also keep your face warmer and are better at shielding your eyes from tree branches and other hazards. 

Warm Clothing

You'll need a hat, gloves or mittens, ski or snow pants, and a winter jacket. A neck gaiter (a kind of short scarf that's connected at the ends) can keep your neck warm — and your face, too, if you pull it up. Dressing in layers can help you adjust if you get too hot. If you wear thermal underwear, get the kind made of wool or a material other than cotton. Cotton takes a long time to dry, so it can make you cold.

Also wear sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher for daytime skiing. Make sure to wear it even when it's cloudy.

How Can I Stay Safe While Skiing?

From lessons to knowing your skill level, these guidelines can help keep you safe.

Should I Take Skiing Lessons?

If you’re a new skier, consider taking lessons before hitting the slopes to learn the right techniques for skiing. But lessons can be helpful for skiers of all levels. Sign up with a trained instructor certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-AASI). Private lessons offer the most one-on-one time with an instructor, but less costly skiing group lessons work well, too.

Preventing Injuries on the Ski Slopes

To help prevent injuries, follow these rules:

• Warm up and stretch before skiing.
• Don't ski alone.
• Make sure you know how to load (get on), ride, and unload (get off) a ski lift safely. Talk to an attendant if you need help.
• Watch where you ski. Know which slopes are right for your skill level and ski only on those. If you find yourself on a slope that's too tough, keep your skis on and sidestep down the hill. Stay on marked paths and never go past the ski area boundary or into a closed area. Also, pay attention to warning signs like, "Slow Skiing Area" and "Caution."
• Look out for other people. Before you start down a hill or merge onto a trail, look uphill to make sure no one is coming toward you.
• Know who has the right of way. Snowboarders and skiers in front of you have the right of way. Keep your distance and stay in control. Don't stop in the middle of a trail or in any spot where you can't be seen from above, like below a drop-off. 

Learn How to Fall Properly

• Practice falling on a soft surface or on grass.
• Crouch down as you fall so you won't have as far to fall.
• Land on the fleshy parts of your body and roll rather than breaking a fall with your arms and hands.
• Relax while falling instead of going stiff.

What Else Should I Know?

• Stop skiing if you feel pain or get hurt. Before you go back on the hill, get checked by a doctor, a nurse, an athletic trainer, or a coach.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids before, during, and after skiing.
• Take breaks and don't ski when you're very tired, which can lead to injury.
• Know what to do in case of an emergency or if you get separated from your group or partner. Carry a phone or a whistle.

Safety in Other Sports

Safety matters whether you're skiing or doing another activity. To help prevent injuries in other sports, check out these articles:

• Baseball Safety Tips
• Football Safety Tips
• Hockey Safety Tips
• Lacrosse Safety Tips
• Tennis Safety Tips