Recent Tragedies Echo Dangers of Snow Sports

The winter of 2008-2009 has been a news-worthy one so far. Unfortunately, winter sports incidents have made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. A combination of heavy snowfall, thawing and warm temperatures, and general bad luck have caused a number of early-season fatalities.

-Yesterday, reports broke of a 31-year old climber being killed on Oregon's Mt. Hood after she was struck by falling ice and thrown down the mountain. The ice fall is blamed on thawing caused by warm weather.

-A German skier was killed when he was swallowed by an avalanche in Zermatt, Switzerland on January 20th.

-Last week brought news of the death of two climbers-both Britains-as they abseiled off their climbing route at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. According to local guides, the pair were hit by debris from an avalanche. One of the men killed was the youngest Britain ever to climb Mt. Everest, when he summited at age 19 in 2006. The week before, two local guides were killed by falling ice in the same area.

-Also last week, a skier died of chest trauma at Beaver Creek in Colorado. And when eight snowmobilers were killed in BC at the end of 2008, the toll for snowsports-related deaths in North America for December rose to 17.

-Skiing-related fatalities have also occurred at Alta (UT), Whiteface (NY), Treetops (MI), Miledge Creek (BC), Jackson Hole (WY), Alice Mountain (BC), Val d'Isere (France), and Whitetail (PA). The causes of death included avalanche/ice fall, tree collision, heart attack, and hypothermia brought on by entrapment in a stream.

So why highlight all the bad news? As a reminder that the winter sports we love are inherently dangerous. Whether its by chest trauma or avalanche or in the mountains of British Columbia or the hills of Michigan, winter sports can prove deadly. And also because it is National Safety Awareness Week . What can be done to minimize the risk?

-Wear a helmet. After 17 skier deaths in their country this season, Austria enacted a helmet law for all children under 14. I think helmets should be mandatory for all-everywhere. Its only a matter of time before helmet laws become as ubiquitous as seat-belt laws. It seems like those not wearing helmets in the east this season are in the minority, and its about time. Common sense people: protect your money-maker.

-Ski in control, obviously. If you can't ski it, stay on the blues and greens until you can. Keep your edges sharp and your gear tuned. Some resorts (such as Vermont's Killington) will give you a discount on tuning if you mention National Safety Week. And use your ski etiquette when others are on the trail with you.

-Know how to fall. If you are learning to snowboard, learn how to fall without injuring your wrists, shoulders, etc. If you are a skier, let go of those poles. Sometimes that best way is just to put everything on sale.

-Prepare for avalanches. Get training, wear a beacon, and go with experienced off-piste/backcountry/deep snow skiers. Also bring a Saint Bernard and his little collar keg if you have one.

-Check the weather and plan accordingly.

I know its old news to most and we read "Know the Code" enough as we ride up the lift, but its for good reason. Ski safe, and lets turn the table on the news by cutting down on the tragic headlines.

Let the X Games begin!