What could be more exhilarating than hurtling down snow-covered slopes between mountains and glaciers? But beware: skiing is a technical and demanding sport that requires good physical condition, meticulous preparation and the right equipment. From a simple sunburn to a sprained knee, accidents can happen quickly if you're not careful. To make sure you don't spoil your winter sports holiday by being careless, here are a few essential rules to follow. Ready to hit the slopes in complete safety?
Before your ski holiday: good physical preparation
If it's been several months since you last did any sporting activity, it's vital to get back into shape before hitting the red runs! Without preparation, fractures, sprains and other injuries could ruin your holiday.
A few weeks before you leave, devote at least 30 minutes a day to targeted exercise. Skiing is particularly hard on the legs, balance and flexibility. Choose activities such as cycling, swimming, brisk walking or gymnastics to strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance.
When it comes to diet, make sure you fill up on antioxidants by increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables. Good hydration is also essential to optimise your recovery.
The right equipment for optimum protection
Helmets: essential for everyone
Although helmets are only compulsory for children, they are highly recommended for all skiers. They provide effective protection against head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. One in ten skiing accidents is caused by a collision.
Well-adjusted bindings to avoid injury
More than 50% of skiing accidents are linked to incorrectly adjusted bindings, particularly knee sprains. To minimise the risks, have your bindings adjusted by a professional before each season, taking into account your age, height, weight, level of training and skiing style.
Before you set off: precautions to take
Adapt your route: Don't overestimate your ability and choose runs that are suited to your level.
Check the weather forecast: Snowfall can reduce visibility and increase the risk of avalanches.
Eat properly: Favour slow sugars for optimum endurance and drink regularly to avoid dehydration.
Protect yourself from the sun: Apply sun cream and use lip balm to protect against the cold and UV rays.
Warm up: Stretching, bending and joint movements will reduce the risk of injury.
On the slopes: Follow the safety rules
The ski slopes are shared by many skiers of varying abilities.To avoid accidents, there are a few essential rules to follow:
Be aware of others: Take slower skiers into account, especially beginners and children.
Respect the right of way: The skier behind you always has the right of way.Don't tailgate and adapt your trajectory to avoid any risk of collision.
Adapt your speed: It must be appropriate to your ability, visibility and the number of people on the piste.
Don't stop just anywhere: Avoid parking in the middle of a piste, especially in narrow passages or where visibility is poor.
Clear off quickly after a fall: Get to the edge of the track as soon as possible.
Check your surroundings: At junctions or before entering the piste, make sure you are not in the way of other skiers.
Walk up or down the side of the piste: Never cross a piste in the middle.
Respect the signs: Danger, junction and avalanche signs are there for your safety.
Off-piste skiing: an adventure not to be taken lightly
Skiing off the marked runs offers unique sensations, but also involves major risks. If you want to venture off-piste, here are a few essential precautions:
Never go off-piste on your own: tell someone about your itinerary.
Check the weather conditions: A high avalanche risk can put your life in danger.
Equip yourself properly: An avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and provisions are essential.
Make sure you're covered by your insurance: In the event of an accident, rescue costs can be very high.
Optimum protection with Foyer
For peace of mind on the slopes, it's a good idea to take out winter sports insurance. Foyer offers solutions that cover the risks associated with skiing.
Skiing is an exciting activity that combines fun and adrenaline. However, good preparation and compliance with safety rules are essential if you are to enjoy your holiday to the full. By adopting these good practices, you'll considerably reduce the risk of accidents and be able to enjoy every descent with complete peace of mind. So, are you ready to put on your skis in complete safety? Take to the slopes!
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