Knowing your limits on the slopes
We've teamed up with the Ski Area Association of New Zealand (SAANZ) to encourage people to know their limits when they hit the ski fields this winter so they can avoid preventable injuries.
Our figures show that between 2016 and 2022 more than 94,000 people made claims for injuries related to skiing and snowboarding, with most people injuring their knee or shoulder.
Most claims were recorded in the Otago region (44,276), followed by Canterbury (15,320) and Manawatū-Whanganui (13,819).
ACC injury prevention partner Nat Hardaker says injuries on the slopes peak about midday and most injuries occur in the afternoon.
“This tells us that after a big morning getting to the mountain and enjoying those first runs, people are tired and need to take a break to prevent injuries,” she says.
“Listen to your body – if you’re starting to feel aches or niggles, have a rest.”
Between 2016 and 2022, we’ve spent $206 million to help people recover from skiing and snowboarding injuries.
Teaming up to keep Kiwis safe
Nat says research shows 90 per cent of all injuries are predictable and therefore preventable, and this includes snow sports injuries.
It’s one of the reasons ACC has teamed up with SAANZ to ensure Kiwis and other ski field users continue to have fun on the slopes and stay injury-free so they can come back for more.
The campaign is being supported by two of New Zealand’s leading snow sports athletes – Olympians Nico Porteous and Cool Wakushima.
Nico and Cool will be joining up with ski field staff to share injury prevention tips for everyone from novices to professionals.
Their tips will be shared through videos, social media posts and elsewhere online. There will also be signage with injury prevention advice out on the slopes.
Making the most of our stunning snow
SAANZ chair Toby Arnott says the partnership aims to reduce preventable snow sports injuries and ensure everyone finishes their day on the right note.
“New Zealand has some of the world’s most beautiful places to ski and snowboard,” he says.
“We’re keen to help as many people as possible to experience everything our fields have to offer.”
Toby says it’s great to have Nico and Cool involved in the campaign.
“Given they’re both among the best in the world, we believe people will be very keen to learn from their experience.”
Taking advice from the pros
Advice will focus on basic safety tips like warming up properly, being prepared for any conditions, sticking to runs that suit people’s ability, making space for others and finding your own space.
The pros will also be throwing in some tips for experts.
Nat says a lot of injuries happen when people underestimate the risk or overestimate their ability.
She says data shows most snow sports-related injury claims are for soft tissue injuries like muscle strains and ligament tears.
“Don’t ruin it for your family or friends with a strain, sprain, or, even worse, a trip to the emergency department. ‘Have a hmmm’ and stay injury free this winter.”
Snow sports safety tips
- Know your limits and choose the right run
- Protect yourself and wear the right gear
- Find your space and leave room for others
- Check the conditions and be prepared for anything because things change quickly
- Take it easy on the first few runs then gradually speed things up/go a bit harder
- Pay attention to your energy levels – have a break, a drink and some kai if you feel you’re getting a bit tired
