High speed - high risk

   

by Peter Sonnekus-Williams

The Saanen hospital received an average of 40 emergencies per day during the recent Christmas-New Year period. Good snow this season has brought with it a spike in ski accidents in comparison with the last two years, where the conditions were not as favorable. This is according to Dr Christian Reuteler of the Saanen Hospital, who had to operate until midnight on some days in order to deal with all of the emergencies. "For the most part, patients stream in with elbow, shoulder and knee injuries," says Dr Reuteler, who also points out that there is an increase in collisions as a cause of accident. In order to better understand what the root causes of modern day ski accidents are, I investigated the topic a little further. I started my investigation with a look at how the Gstaad ski region is ranked in terms of safety. According to the Sonntagzeitung’s March 16 2008 survey of the 11 ski areas with the highest people turnover in German-speaking Switzerland, the Gstaad ski region achieved the best safety record. This is good news of course. We know that we are not an overcrowded region, our slopes are well-prepared and signposted and we now have snow patrols reminding people of correct protocol on the piste. But then why 40 emergencies a day?

I chatted with Jürg Schwenter, a local private ski instructor, who has been skiing in this region for most of his life. He confirmed a lot of what Dr Reuteler pointed out as well as adding some further salient points resulting from his experience out on the piste. In summary it seems that the technological advancement of the ski combined with the slick grooming of piste has us all going a lot faster than in the past. This has happened without an equal safety counter balance or a dramatic improvement in skier competence.

A common modern day ski is characterized by being narrow at the binding and wide at the front and rear. It is much easier to turn than the old “Pommes Frites” skis. The saying goes that, a twitch of the ear is enough to turn a modern ski. This is a key advancement and has essentially made it easier to ski. Deep carves are now possible which results in less braking and the achievement of higher speeds. This exhilarating ski method however puts a lot of demand on the skier, who in many cases is not as capable as the ski’s attached. Fitness, physical condition, reaction and control capabilities can momentarily fail resulting in a nasty consequence. Modern skis are as technologically advanced within their context as competitive racing cars are within theirs. The difference that resides in this comparison however is that the racing car has a pro-racing driver in it and the skis are often attached to a once or twice a year leisure pilot.

Mr. Schwenter pointed out that years back the Wassanergrat had a minefield of moguls that needed to be negotiated en route. This was hard work and only the best of skiers were able to work their way down the slope. Speed control was paramount; physical condition and fitness was just as important. Today the spectacularly groomed Wassanergrat pistes are as smooth as an Autobahn, capable of accommodating skiers easily in excess of 80 km/h in one highspeed dash from top to bottom. You no longer need to be masterful to tackle this slope. A taste for speed, a dose of courage, reasonable skills and good equipment will have you blasting down 5 to 10 times in a morning session.

Skiing is certainly changing in the same way as nearly all sports are. And faster and more extreme is the trend. This will filter through all layers of the sport from casual to professional participation, from equipment to environments. The counter balance to all of this is improved safety and deeper fellow participant consideration. Such methods have been implemented into many sports. Surfing for example now has big wave riders wearing buoyancy devices. Strapped to their legs are emergency oxygen cylinders, which can be used in the event of a surfer being held underwater for too long. They only take off on a wave, one person at a time, and Jet ski’s pick up the surfers to get them out of the line-up once they have kicked out from a wave. Motor sport has similar analogies, where safety equipment and protocol has vastly improved over the last 20 years. It seems to me that there is still a long way to go with skiing regarding counter balancing the forces that have us going faster with not necessarily equal skills. Wearing helmets and back armor devices are a good start, However I am sure that airbag technological developments that are being built into motorcycle racing suits and helmets, once perfected will find their way onto our slopes, Until then, I suggest we stick to the rules provided, ski most of the time between 30% and 60% of the speeds we know we can reach, and adopt an empathetic attitude to all those on the piste. Ski in consideration of others.

Here are the FIS 10 key rules of conduct:
• Do not endanger or prejudice others.
• Move in control. Adapt your manner of skiing or snowboarding and speed to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain.
• Do not impede the route of the skier and snowboarder in front of you.
• Leave a wide berth when overtaking.
• Look up the slopes each time before starting.
• Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can be seen easily.
• When climbing up or down keep to the side of the piste.
• Obey all signs and markings.
• Always provide help to others and alert the rescue service.
• All persons involved in an accident including witnesses must exchange names and addresses.

Comments

[james]

The solution? mobile speed camera managed by a "snow police patrol".
Fine of 150 sfr for 10 km/h above the speed limit.
Confiscation of the ski for 20 km/h + 500 sfr ticket.
Also alcohol control at the exit of restaurant and of course particulary at the "eagle Club".