How to ski safely even at an advanced age

Prepare before putting on your skis and avoid overexerting yourself beyond the limits of your age. Always look back when setting off after a break on the slope. Cool down. These are just some of the most important rules, inspired as always by common sense, for skiing safely. There were 3,8 million skiers in Italy, and in the last year before the pandemic, 2019, there were 30 accidents on the slopes, 1.700 of which required hospitalization. Furthermore, starting January 1, 2022, stricter rules for skiers and ski lift operators came into effect, starting with the mandatory use of helmets for all minors.

A very beautiful and fun sport, but also dangerous. There's no point in hiding it: skiing is truly tempting, but you should know that 80 percent of sports injuries are caused by skiing. A bad fall often ends in a fracture or a broken bone. muscle traumaOne more reason not to waste the beauty and usefulness of this sport, which also gives us the pleasure of spending time together on the slopes, with friends and family. It takes very little to follow a few simple, elementary rules that can truly minimize the risk of accidents. Always remembering that we are never alone when skiing on the slopes; others are there too, and so every time we start or restart a route, every time we go at high speed, it's best to consider other skiers and avoid creating dangerous situations for them and ourselves.

How to ski safely

Skiing correctly and safely requires, first of all, a simple exercise of common senseWhen you are far from the slopes, and you need to consolidate good physical preparation to then go on the slopes, a preparation proportional to the type of sporting commitment one undertakes. And when one is on the slopes, avoiding any risk or boasting, even if we feel very confident in our abilities.

Snow sports all have one thing in common: unpredictability. Snow quality, slope visibility, temperature, fatigue, and recklessness all influence the risk of injury. With a little common sense and caution, we can ski without injury.

Here the golden rules for skiing well:

• Recognize your limitationsIf we have just started or we go on the snow occasionally, we must not risk a descent with skis or even with the snowboardWe risk hurting ourselves and others on the track.
• Getting started with an instructorLearning to ski on your own is possible. However, it's always best to start with a qualified professional who can teach you the basic techniques, and then continue safely on your own. This way, you'll avoid falls or risky moves, which could cost you dearly.
• Physical trainingSkiing is not like doing a walkIt requires a certain level of physical preparation, which varies depending on the activities we're going to perform. The first outings of the season are generally the most dangerous because the movements of winter sports stress the muscles and produce lactic acid. This can make us feel heavy and tired, which increases the risk of cramps and muscle tears.
• Most suitable exercises and sports. If you plan to ski frequently during the winter season, start training two to three months before hitting the slopes. Climbing stairs and steps is excellent exercise, as are weights and other equipment-based activities. Among the most suitable pre-skiing sports are cycling, swimming, and track and field.
• More frequent accidents. Poor physical preparation is the main cause of accidents, including less serious ones that can lead to knee sprains, shoulder dislocations, or head injuries. In fact, 77,6 percent of road accidents are not caused by collisions with other people. 
• Respect recovery timesIf we've just started skiing or aren't in adequate physical condition, it's best to hit the slopes every other day. We can use the rest day to go for a walk, do some hiking, or simply take a walk. stretching Or relax in a sauna. This will help promote muscle recovery and get you ready to get back on track.
• Respect the ages. You can ski even at an advanced age, although after 50, cross-country skiing is preferable to downhill skiing. But in any case, don't underestimate advancing age: the body changes with age, and its endurance also decreases. Respect it.
• Relax your musclesOnce we've taken off our skis, we shouldn't forget to cool down. Walk for at least half an hour and stretch at home or in our accommodation. These activities are often overlooked by less experienced skiers. However, several studies show that cooling down guarantees excellent results in reducing cramps and reducing the risk of joint and vertebrae injuries.
• When you stop on the trackBefore resuming your descent, turn your head and look for anyone coming. Don't move without this precaution.
• Don't overdo it with speed: spaces and slopes for competitive skiing are clearly designated. And always respect other skiers, with the same civic duty as drivers when driving.
• Check the weather conditions. Try not to be caught off guard by a snowstorm or strong wind. And always consider the visibility conditions on the slopes. Never force your approach by ignoring the weather: the mountains, like the sea, deserve respect.
• Hearty breakfast. Never go skiing in the morning on an empty stomach. On the contrary. A skier's breakfast, even on Sundays, should be particularly hearty. Don't forget cereal, yogurt, and fruit.
• No smartphones on the ski lifts. Keep your smartphone in your windbreaker pocket while you're riding the lift up the slope. Many accidents happen because skiers are on the phone or texting while getting off. This is when you need to stay focused, as the lift doesn't stop, and a fall can be disastrous.

Rules for skiing

The most important ones are these:

• Helmet mandatory. Helmets are mandatory for all minors on ski slopes. Previously, this requirement only applied to children under 14.
• Ski insurance policy. Skiers must have insurance coverage, and those who haven't purchased one beforehand must do so when purchasing their ski pass. Cost: €2,5 to €3,99 per day. The only skiers exempt from insurance are cross-country skiers.
• To each his own path. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, competitive skiing, sledding: the ski slopes are differentiated based on the sporting activity you choose to do.
• Defibrillators. Facility operators have some new obligations. First, they must install automatic defibrillators, life-saving devices, in suitable and visible locations. They are also required to display signs with directions, limits, and cautionary warnings.

How to ski at an older age

• Respect your own times and limits
• Training throughout the year
• Do a long warm-up before you start skiing
• Evaluate the itineraries and altitude differences carefully
• Avoid off-piste
• Be informed about weather conditions and temperatures at high altitudes
• Always have a supply of water
• Skiing in company
• Have a medical check-up before the start of the ski season if you are undergoing any therapies
• Always carry your health card with you

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