Snow parks: snow fun with serious consequences

Freestylers can practice their jumps and tricks in specially designed snow parks. For years, the offer has been expanded in Switzerland. Of the approximately 65,000 snowboarders and skiers resident in Switzerland who are injured each year, more than 4,400 have an accident in a snow park.

A survey by the bfu shows that around 30 % of people who are injured in a snow park have to be taken to hospital by rescue helicopter, whereas this proportion is only around 20 % overall at all snow sports facilities. This difference can be explained by the fact that accidents in snow parks most frequently involve the head and back.

In order to prevent such accidents, the bfu has a video produced to make the use of snow parks safer.

The main tips from the video:

• Wear a snow sports helmet and a back protector. Snowboarders should also wear wrist protection.

• Beginners should start on the "small line".

• Follow the 4 rules of conduct in the snow parks: look first, jump later; plan your run; take it slow; respect deserves respect.

Annually about 12 deaths in freeriding

For snow sports enthusiasts who want to live out their passion in deep snow, the temptation to leave the marked slopes is great. However, freeriding is fraught with danger. Every year, an average of 12 freeriders are killed in Switzerland, half of them in an avalanche.

The bfu has the following tips for freeriders in a video illustrates:

• When skiing in deep snow, use the yellow marked downhill routes.

• If you want to leave the secured slopes: Attend an avalanche course, learn about current conditions and take emergency equipment with you.

• Stay on the secured slopes from danger level 3 at the latest, if you do not have sufficient knowledge and experience

Source: AAIB