Beacon Watch

boats, safety, sports

Snowboarding

Ski Safety in Cold Weather

Whenever a skier hits the slopes there is some basic knowledge– some universal rules and guidelines — that every winter athlete is expected to know: properly yield to other skiers, know how to use a chairlift, obey all the signs, know how to fall, stay in control of yourself based on your ability, and so on. Since skiing is a winter sport, it is especially incumbent upon a skier to respect the weather and follow some basic cold weather advice.  

First, you should be properly prepared for an outing in the cold. Eat, stretch and be hydrated before you begin to ski, and allow for breaks during your day so you can get a snack and a drink of water. The emphasis on food is important not only for your comfort, but primarily because the body needs calories to stay warm. Skiing is an intense activity that burns a lot of fuel, so don’t underestimate the amount of calories you may need to stay warm.

You should wear sunscreen to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, and be properly dressed for cold weather. Avoid cotton clothing which tends to stay damp and wet, and choose fabrics that are water-resistant and that wick moisture away from the body. If children are in your group you should check on them regularly to make sure their clothing is dry and their noses are not too red.  One great way to keep track of their location is with a GPS system like the kind offered by BeaconWatch. Their SeaMe monitor can help you locate anyone on the slopes in no time.

Finally, you should be familiar with the park terrain. If the weather turns bad, you don’t want to be lost on the slopes or not know where a shelter is. Look at a trail map before skiing so you will have your bearings no matter where you are located. Following these common sense winter weather precautions will make your outing both safer and more enjoyable.

Stay Safe on the Slopes

The number one cause of injury on the slopes every year is pulled or strained muscles, and the number one cause of death when downhill skiing or snowboarding is head injury, usually caused by hitting a stationary object. Although injuries are common, deaths are fortunately rare, but it nevertheless is important as each new season arrives for everybody to reacquaint themselves with some of the basic safety issues of the slopes.

Pulled muscles and tendons, twisted ankles, and other more minor injuries are usually the result of a person being out of shape when ski season arrives. If you’re a skier or a snowboarder, it’s important to keep up a regular exercise regimen all year by either going to the gym or by participating in summer sports. When ski season arrives, it is recommended that everyone – even the most weathered veteran – take a ski safety refresher course from a certified instructor. If you’re a novice, you should especially be certain that you know how to stop, how to fall down, and how to get back up. Be aware of weather conditions and wear proper clothing, and know the general rules and etiquette of the slopes.

One of the most important safety rules is this: never ski alone. If an injury happens, and you are alone or separated from your group, you can risk further complications or even death. This is why the SeaMe monitor by BeaconWatch can really ensure your safety when you or your loved ones are skiing. If necessary, this GPS system will help locate anyone who is injured or lost. It is a great device to have, especially when you are skiing with children, just to add an extra level of safety to your outing.

Check out the BeaconWatch site, and ski without worry this season knowing that you and your loved ones can never get lost on the slopes with BeaconWatch’s 21st century technology.