Snow sports: over 40s have more accidents
Lack of preparation, fatigue or overestimation: every year, thousands of employees have accidents on Swiss ski slopes. A new analysis by Suva shows: More and more older skiers and snowboarders are having accidents and missing half a million days at work every year. Those who are well prepared and adapt their skiing style to their fitness have a better chance of getting through the winter without an accident.
Every year, around 35,000 people have accidents on Swiss ski slopes. While the proportion of 40 to 64-year-olds was 39% in 2003, it rose steadily to reach 56% in 2022. This shows that older snow sports enthusiasts are at a higher risk of serious injuries and long-term damage to their health.
A total of over 800,000 lost days due to snow sports accidents
After an injury on the slopes, snow sports enthusiasts need an average of 22 days to recover and return to work. Every year, companies in Switzerland have to accept a total of over 800,000 lost days because employees are absent due to snow sports accidents. In terms of days lost, 40 to 64-year-olds lead the statistics with over 470,000 days a year. This is an increase of around 40 percent in the last 15 years.
Why more accidents happen
The fact that 40 to 64-year-olds have more accidents is partly due to demographic trends. For Samuli Aegerter, Campaign Manager for Snow Sports at Suva, there are clear factors that influence the risk of accidents on the slopes: "If snow sports enthusiasts overestimate themselves or go on the slopes untrained, the personal risk increases. Measurements with the Suva Slope Track app have shown that around half of 40 to 64-year-olds expose themselves to high levels of physical stress on the slopes. For safe snow sports, we recommend adapting your skiing style to your physical fitness."
Due to the high levels of exertion, it is therefore important to prepare yourself with regular strengthening exercises before the ski season. And a short warm-up is recommended before the first descent. This gets the body ready to perform.
Well prepared for the slopes
Suva has several tips for avoiding snow sports accidents:
- Warming up: Short and targeted warm-up before the first ride and after the breaks.
- Skiing style: Adapt your skiing style to your abilities, the current slope conditions and your own fitness.
- Speed: Adjust your speed to swerve or brake in time.
- Fatigue: Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Snow sports enthusiasts can also use the "SlopeTrack" app to measure their exertion levels on the slopes. The app also contains further information and exercises to increase safety on the slopes.
Source: Suva
