Skiing this Season? Stretch Yourself – Not Your Wallet!

Approximately one third of the injuries sustained during winter sports activities involve the knees.  Other popular skiing and boarding injuries include the ankles, wrists, and thumbs – not to mention serious back and head injuries.

It is important to try to get in shape and do some ski conditioning before hitting the slopes.  It is also a good idea to perform warm up exercises and stretches before any physical exertion – even dogs know this!

Athletes know that it is important to cool down following strenuous exercise but the majority of recreational skiers ignore this advice and head for the nearest bar to warm up!  If you want to enjoy many years of pain-free skiing and boarding it’s a good idea to learn how to take care of your body and your muscles.  If there is an artificial ski slope close to home consider getting in some turns to warm up those ski muscles, join a gym or exercise class, or at the very least learn how to stretch.

Remember that your body is under extra stress at high altitude, and the effects of alcohol are significantly increased.  It is perhaps worth a reminder that if you sustain an injury on the slopes any resulting travel/ski insurance claims (with any company) may be jeopardised if intoxication is found to be a contributing factor.  Having to pay for a mountain evacuation and medical care could really stretch your wallet so be smart and play it safe.  Stay sober on the slopes and save the fun for après ski!