Outdoor skiing is a high-risk sport that has gained popularity among many sports enthusiasts in recent years due to the thrill and excitement it offers. However, every year, numerous skiers suffer accidents during ice and snow sports—ranging from minor injuries such as muscle strains and fractures to severe cases of disability or even death—due to hidden dangers in ski resort facilities, inadequate safety warnings, and insufficient self-protection awareness among some participants. With the peak skiing season now underway, especially during weekends, New Year’s Day, and the Spring Festival holiday, many people take the opportunity to enjoy nature and engage in ice and snow activities. In light of this, the China Consumers Association would like to remind all consumers:
1. Pack the right gear and stay warm
Before participating in ice and snow sports, make sure you have enough cold-weather clothing. It is advisable to wear professional ski suits, gloves, and ski hats. Due to the strong reflection of sunlight on snow, wear professional ski goggles to prevent snow blindness. During the activity, you may reduce your clothing slightly according to your body heat to improve comfort. After the activity, get indoors as soon as possible to avoid exposure to wind and cold.
2. Warm up before enjoying ice and snow sports
Ice and snow sports are physically demanding, so it’s essential to warm up properly in advance, especially by mobilizing joints and ligaments such as the hips, knees, ankles, and wrists. A proper warm-up increases the flexibility and range of motion of your joints and ligaments, reducing the likelihood of falls. Even if you do fall, the severity of potential injuries will be lessened.
3. Progress step by step and know your limits
Choose sports venues that match your skill level. Beginners should ski under the guidance of a coach and attempt solo runs only after mastering the necessary techniques. Even those with some skiing experience should start on beginner slopes and gradually progress to more advanced ones.
4. Pay attention to details and prioritize safety
First, falls are common in ice and snow sports, so always wear protective gear. Avoid carrying sharp, fragile, or hard objects in your clothing pockets to prevent injury from punctures or impacts during a fall. Second, if you feel your balance slipping, quickly lower your center of gravity by bending your body and bringing your limbs closer together, while staying alert to your surroundings to avoid collisions or additional injuries. Third, if you suffer a serious fall and experience intense pain, do not try to stand or walk immediately. Call for help nearby, and if necessary, dial emergency services for professional assistance.
5. Avoid risks and take precautions early
Skiing is an exhilarating yet high-risk activity. Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, acrophobia, or other medical conditions should avoid participating. Before skiing, all participants should do their homework—familiarize themselves with the venue's infrastructure, safety measures, and availability of professional rescue services. Additionally, understand the services provided and any relevant precautions, and consider purchasing accident insurance if needed to mitigate financial burdens in case of injury.
Furthermore, the China Consumers Association also sternly reminds ski resort operators to enhance public education on skiing basics and risk awareness, improve safety facilities and risk warning signs, and develop effective emergency response plans in accordance with the new Consumer Protection Law and other relevant regulations and standards—providing consumers with safer, more reassuring, and more reliable services. When consumers’ rights and interests are seriously compromised, operators should proactively communicate and negotiate with them, resolve disputes promptly, handle aftermath issues properly, and protect consumers’ legal rights in accordance with the law.