Injuries in Skiing and Snowboarding: Epidemiology and Risk Factors as a Basis for Prevention Measures

Th is paper deals with the subject of injury in alpine skiing and snowboarding and the aim was to defi ne the characteristics of injuries and the risk factors as the basis for establishing preventive measures. Th e types of injuries and risk factors were analyzed by examining previous papers. During the last thirty years, the number of injuries has generally decreased by 50-70%. Th e changes were recorded in the types of injuries, and the number of certain injuries increased. It was found that there was a mutual diff erence in the number and structure of the injuries of skiers and snowboarders. Injuries can be classifi ed topologically and according to risk factors. Th e risk factors may be manifold: the characteristics of the equipment, the characteristics of the trail and snow surface, protective equipment, age, gender, physical fi tness, risky behaviours, time of day, skiing discipline, climate factors, the presence of other skiers and others. By the analysis of these factors it was concluded that there were three entities in the implementation of security measures: the state that stipulates laws (relevant ministries), owners or organizers who provide services in skiing (ski centres, ski services, ski schools, clubs) and skiers and snowboarders themselves.