‘Have a Hmmm’ before you hit Mt Hutt
Over the past six years we have accepted 6,595 snow-sports related injuries in the Canterbury region. We are doing something about it. ‘The Thinker’ made his debut appearance at Mt Hutt to help prevent injury on our slopes.
A small part of Paris has been lending a hand on the slopes of Mt Hutt this week.
In a New Zealand-first, a replica of the bronze statue ‘The Thinker’ made his debut on various parts of the Canterbury ski field. He’s dressed for the occasion too.
Watch the TVNZ One News story on 'The Thinker' at Mt Hutt.
The statue’s presence is part of a comprehensive injury prevention promotion as part of the Preventable campaign. It will be on the slopes of Mt Hutt until 12 September.
The Thinker will make his debut at Mt Hutt to help people 'Have a Hmmm'.
A QR code on the statue will link to injury prevention advice related to snow-sports.
Our Injury Prevention Programme Leader James Whitaker will be at Mt Hutt to promote injury prevention at a peak time.
“We hope ‘The Thinker’ becomes a bit of a talking point on the ski field and that it encourages people to be injury free so they can keep doing what they love.”
‘The Thinker’, which in French is pronounced Le Penseur, is a bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin.
It was made in 1904, and is now exhibited at the Musée Rodin, in Paris. The work depicts a nude male figure of heroic size sitting on a rock. The pose is one of deep thought and contemplation, and the statue is often used as an image to represent philosophy.
“Make smart choices”
We are supporting this activity with a comprehensive media and marketing campaign that aims to keep people injury free.
Every time skiers and snowboarders pull the bar down on the chairlift, they will be met by a ‘Have a Hmmm’ sticker on the bar to remind them to stay safe.
“Our claims data shows us that the skiing slopes are a high-risk place for injury,” says James.
“We are encouraging anyone who is heading to the mountain to take the time to assess the risk then make smart choices that keep them injury free and having fun.”
First tracks at Mt Hutt. Photo credit: Mt Hutt.
Injuries can have life-changing impacts – for those who are injured, their whānau and society.
Our data shows that around 90 percent of injuries are not random events. They're predictable and therefore preventable.
Also – the majority of injuries occur in the last few runs of the day. Take it a bit easier and have your wits about you towards the end of the day so you can return for more tomorrow.
In 2021, we accepted 10,820 claims for snow sports injuries, 6,540 skiing and 4,280 snowboarding.
Not surprisingly, the three leading regions for snow-sports injuries were Otago, Canterbury and Manawatu / Wanganui.
Over the past six years, we have accepted 6,595 snow-sports related injuries in the Canterbury region.
'Have a Hmmm' - 90 percent of injuries are preventable.
James encouraged any casual skiers and snowboarders to hit the gym and strengthen the legs to make sure they are ready for the rigours of a day on the slopes.
“A lot of people turn up to the mountain – often after a long break – and jump straight onto their board or skis without doing any conditioning to be ready for that challenge,” he says.
“It’s always good to prepare your body for an activity you haven’t done in a while.”
We recommend that all people hitting the slopes complete a warm-up and stretch.
“For the casual skier and snowboarder, it is a good idea to park in the lower carparks and walk up to the chairlift,” says James.
“That will get your legs warmed up and ready for your first run of the day.”
“The cost of a major injury is huge”
Luke Henley knows what it is like to suffer a serious injury on the slopes.
The 41-year-old from Auckland broke his back in a snowboarding accident in 2017.
He had back surgery and completed a long and challenging rehabilitation.
Luke went snowboarding for the first time in 2022. He witnessed plenty of carnage.
“Throughout the day there were at least four people getting stretchered down off the mountain, blood on the snow and people in a bad way,” he says.
“Injuries happen so easily on the mountain, and you need to be careful.”
Luke Henley has recovered from a major injury to get back on his board.
Luke’s advice to anyone heading to the mountain is to ski or board within your limits.
“Try not to push your limits too much. Don’t get too carried away. The cost of a major injury is huge. I know from my own experience it is much better to prevent that injury happening in the first place.”
If you are hitting the slopes this year, following these simple steps to avoid getting hurt:
- Warm up and stretch before heading up the mountain.
- Have the right equipment – always wear a helmet and protective gear like wrist guards are good to have, as well. The appropriate size and flexibility of your skis/boards are important.
- Be aware of the conditions – check the mountain report and don’t go full throttle straight away. Take a slow inspection run to feel things out and take a second run to test things before getting stuck in.
- Follow the NZ Snow Safety Code: Know Your Limits, Find Your Space, Protect Yourself.
- Follow terrain park etiquette – It’s important that you know the etiquette for skiing/snowboarding in the terrain park. Make sure you are up to speed before going up the mountain.
Early morning at The Remarkables. Photo Credit: The Remarkables
What is Preventable?
- Around 90 percent of injuries are not random events. They're predictable and therefore preventable.
- We accept around 5,000 injury claims per day, around two million claims a year.
- In 2021, we accepted 10,820 claims for snow sports injuries.
- Over the past six years, we accepted 6,595 snow-sports related injuries in the Canterbury region.
