Winter sports and safety

As we are now heading into the winter sports season, it pays to think a little about how we are going to remain safe, minimise losses and therefore maximise the potential enjoyment of the holidays to which we have looked forward for so long and which have probably cost a great deal of our hard-earned money.

The sports that immediately spring to mind are, of course skiing and snow-boarding – but there are others; tobogganing, sledging, ice-skating, to name but a few.  The things they all have in common, of course is that they are all carried out in cold weather, on surfaces, which we would normally consider hazardous.

The first hazard to consider would probably only apply to people who have little experience of exposure to the cold – and that is hypothermia.  When the sun is shining and the exertion leaves you feeling warm and glowing, the temptation is to shed layers of clothing and forget that in ten minutes time, you could be standing in a blizzard, unsure of your direction or whereabouts and feeling very, very cold.  Clothing should be multi-layered instead of one thick covering.  All outer clothing should be fit for the purpose which it is intended; i.e waterproof, well fitting and in a good state of repair.

Wherever possible, make sure you are not alone and that you are on an established run – whatever the sport.  That way, there are always others around from whom to request assistance if you need it - and then there will be no need to mount a search and rescue party because you did not think about the hazards.  A mobile phone is a must as well, so that should there be any sort of incident when help is required, it can always be summoned.  Bright clothing is always a good idea as it may be seen more plainly against the snow.  Always agree with the rest of your group, which areas you will be using and then stick to the plans in case they need to find you.

The early stages of hypothermia are characterised by fatigue and mental confusion – and these occur when exposure to the cold has been prolonged and the body can no longer maintain its core temperature.  This may happen after getting lost or sustaining an injury, which makes movement difficult or impossible.  Hospital attendance will normally be required to diagnose and correct it.

Simple problems such as blisters and broken skin will occur and it is a good idea to pack a first aid kit prepared for these complaints.  Heavy boots and unfamiliar clothing all combine to make you less able to resist these minor problems, which may otherwise spoil your enjoyment.  Pack padding suitable to reduce friction areas, blister dressings, and crepe bandages for support for minor strains.  Always make sure any confirmed joint weakness from which you may suffer is protected and supported by the appropriate appliance or dressing.

Any sport on a slippery surface makes slip and trip, ankle, leg and hip injuries more likely.  On an activity holiday, this may be hard to take, but it is better to take a couple of days out to rest an injury than to make it worse by trying to persevere.  For simple sprains and strains, make sure you remember the RICE principle for treatment: Rest, Ice (not applied directly to the skin – but wrapped in a towel or similar), Compression (as in crepe or elastic bandage) and Elevation, which helps limit the swelling.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any sport in which you envisage getting involved.  Injuries sustained in many of these winter sports have the potential to be severe, because of the speed and the hazards involved.  A broken leg or head injury may require fairly intense hospital treatment and possibly medical assistance with a return journey.  If you tailor your cover for whatever activities you are undertaking, the responsibility for payment will not be yours or that of your family.

As with any other trip, good preparation, thoroughly carried out, will pay dividends and minimise worry.