Each year, more than 60,000 people in Switzerland injure themselves on the ski slopes. Many of these accidents could be avoided with the right preparation, good equipment and targeted warm-up exercise.
According to the BFU, around 3.5 million Swiss snow sports enthusiasts head for the mountains every year, with more than 60,000 of them sustaining injuries in accidents each year. The harder artificial snow and narrower slopes increase the risk of injury, especially in winters with little snow.
Around a third of all skiing injuries are knee joint injuries. The joint is subject to high forces here, which can lead to soft tissue injuries, such as meniscus or cruciate ligament lesions. The shoulder joints and, in the case of snowboarders, the wrists are also often affected.
Every winter sport carries its own risks. Once you've decided on a sport, such as skiing or sledging, you should ideally practise it regularly to get into a routine. Furthermore, you shouldn't just participate in winter sports in winter; you should train all year round.
Muscle loss begins naturally from the age of 30: an inactive person loses an average of 1% muscle mass per year, meaning a loss of 10% between the ages of 30 and 40. Anyone who then hits the slopes hard from 0 to 100 has a higher risk of injury, as they lack both routine and the strength they once had. The result is that they overestimate their abilities.
Observing these five rules can help to prevent many accidents on the ski slopes:
Warm up properly.
Regular exercise is important for more than just skiing. It helps to counteract wear and tear and keep you mobile. The older you get, the more important it is to keep active. If 'training' has been a foreign concept to you until now, be sure to seek professional instruction.
If snowboarding or skiing no longer feels right at some point, don't force yourself. Either take more time, or discover your love for a new winter activity. Winter has many beautiful sides, and the ski slopes are just one of them.
Our physiotherapists and sports scientists at the Rosenklinik Sportzentrum have designed a simple yet effective warm-up routine for you. Perform each exercise ten times before your first descent to optimally prepare your body for the upcoming exertion.
Stand with your feet hip- to shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees to a 90° angle and push your bottom backwards. Keep your knees in line with your feet and ensure your heels remain on the floor. Keep your upper body upright and tense your core muscles.
Bend your standing leg slightly to improve stability. Swing your other leg loosely back and forth, then switch sides. If necessary, hold onto a railing to ensure you can stand securely and perform the movements correctly.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Cross your arms in front of your body, keeping them relaxed and your core engaged. Now, rotate your upper body dynamically from right to left.
Stellen Sie sich gerade hin und spannen Sie ihren Bauch an. Kreisen Sie die Arme abwechselnd mit grossen, kontrollierten Bewegungen erst vorwärts und dann rückwärts. Bewegen Sie Ihre Schultern bewusst und lassen Sie Ihren Nacken locker.
Starten Sie mit aufrechtem Oberkörper im Ausfallschritt. Springen Sie explosiv nach oben und wechseln Sie das Bein in der Luft. Achten Sie auf eine weiche Landung mit stabilen, leicht gebeugten Knien. Spannen Sie während der Übung Ihren Rumpf an und achten Sie auf eine saubere Technik. Geschwindigkeit ist irrelevant.