"Let's hit the mountain for some backcountry skiing!" "Mao'ershan has a halfpipe this year, we can ski it after this snowfall!" This week's weather forecast of dropping temperatures and snowfall has excited the city's skiing enthusiasts. On major skiing forums, fans are organizing group "first runs," with Yabuli Alpine Skiing alone attracting nearly 4,000 skiing enthusiasts on its first run of the season.
However, after being "off the board" for most of the year, their bodies haven't fully adapted, and the first runs have caused many highly skilled skiers, who've been itching to ski for months, to "wipe out," resulting in falls and even fractures.
This skiing season, how to enjoy the snowy fun while avoiding skiing-related injuries is crucial for both beginners and seasoned skiers.
Players "hibernate" for half a year
Taking tumbles all over the slopes
"Single Board Mouse," a skiing enthusiast who just returned from Yabuli Alpine Skiing's first run of the season, told reporters yesterday: "After holding back for so long, I can finally ski again—it was so exhilarating！ But there were plenty of tumbles all over the slopes, and quite a few people got injured or even broke bones."
"Huihui," the leader of the "Harbin Snowboard Crew," is a veteran snowboarder. Her club has six to seven hundred members. On the first run day, one of her friends broke a rib after failing to complete an 180-degree turn. She said that this year’s first run has gotten skiing enthusiasts especially excited. Everyone thinks they’re skilled, but after not skiing for half a year, unfamiliarity with the slopes and imperfect execution of moves can easily lead to injuries.
Huihui reminds enthusiasts that accidents on the slopes are unpredictable—even the most skilled should take proper precautions and stay alert to avoid unnecessary injuries caused by collisions with others.
Backcountry skiing carries high risks
Loose snow layers—remember to get insurance
Reporters found that some of the city’s expert skiers are no longer satisfied with the slopes provided by resorts, and many skiing clubs are organizing "backcountry skiing" trips. In reality, backcountry skiing carries significant risks. On January 3, 2012, a group of skiing enthusiasts encountered an avalanche while skiing on Datudingzi Mountain in Wuchang City, Heilongjiang Province, resulting in one person going missing.
Regarding the craze for "backcountry skiing," industry insiders do not recommend it. Unlike the machine-compacted snow at professional resorts, the snow layers on mountain slopes are thin and loose, posing certain dangers. If participating, it's essential to buy insurance; try to use professional skis, helmets, and protective gear; if it's an organized group activity, a safety officer should be appointed, and both leaders and participants should have basic first aid knowledge, carrying essentials such as ropes, bandages, Yunnan Baiyao, and frostbite ointment.
Dong Mingjie shares skiing injury prevention tips
Yesterday, reporters interviewed Dong Mingjie, coach of the national skiing team, and asked him to share key points on skiing protection with our readers. Coach Dong said that whether you're a pro or a beginner, proper protective preparation is a must.
First, make sure to prepare proper skiing protective gear before hitting the slopes. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and ankle guards are all essential.
Second, do warm-up exercises. Skiing puts a lot of strain on the knees and ankles, and without proper warm-ups, joint injuries are very likely. Skiers must ensure every joint, from head to toe, is properly warmed up before getting on the slopes.
Third, skiers must know their own skill level and choose slopes accordingly. Whether you're on a snowboard or skis, it's best to get coaching on your technique before your first run of the year. Some experienced skiers may think they’re highly skilled, but even the best skills are from last year—after not skiing for a long time, technique can easily falter, and improper movements are a leading cause of injuries.
Fourth, take proper protective measures
1. Protect your eyes. The sun reflects intensely off snow, which can cause severe snow blindness; plus, the cold wind during skiing strongly irritates the eyes, so ski goggles are necessary to protect them.
2. Protect your skin. Winter causes rapid moisture loss in the skin, and the high-speed cold wind generated while skiing, along with the strong UV rays reflected off the snow, are major culprits in skin damage. Use oil-based skincare products that help retain moisture, then apply water-resistant sunscreen with good UV protection.
3. Prevent frostbite. Frostbite mainly occurs on the hands, feet, and ears, so wear insulating items like wool or synthetic materials on these areas. Also, bring enough cold-weather clothing and wear bright colors to ensure you’re easily spotted and rescued in case of an emergency.