Skiing is a popular sport in Australia's high country, and there is a broad range of ages and standards among skiers. It is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, flexibility, endurance, cardiopulmonary fitness, good anticipation and reflexes. The skier, ski equipment and the environment all play a role in both the occurrence of injuries and their prevention.

Check the weather report and heed precautions and advisories. If weather warnings suggest a severe wind chill or extremely low temperatures, consider avoiding outdoor activities until the weather improves.

• Be aware of avalanche warnings.
  
• Be aware of symptoms and treatment for hypothermia, snow blindness and frostbite.
  
• Practice sun safety... Use goggles to provide sun protection and protect eyes from cold wind and snow.
  
• Dress in layers. It is very important to keep warm and dry while enjoying outdoor activities in the winter. See below for tips on keeping warm and dry while enjoying winter activities.
  
• When not wearing a helmet, wear a hat, and a neck guard. Keep ears covered too. Noses can be covered with neck guard.
  
• Remove all drawstrings from children's snow suits to reduce risk of strangulation... See danger of drawstrings on children's outerwear.
  
• Make sure your clothes are comfortable. Tight clothing restrict circulation and can increase the chance of frostbite.
  
• Wear brightly coloured clothing - easier to be seen on the ski slopes... and take extra care when dusk or evening approaches as visibility is reduced.
  
• Helmets designed for the snow activity should be worn if it involves a risk of head injury or required by law.
  
• Throwing snowballs can be fun... but snowballs can also contain ice chunks or stones that can cause harm.
  
• Never bury anyone in snow as there is a risk of suffocation... and children should be taught NOT to make tunnels in the snow.
  
• Prevent children eating snow. Even the whitest snow can contain pollutants from the air, including trace minerals like mercury... Snow can also contain windblown soils that can include animal faecal matter.
  
• Children should not be allowed to venture onto ice, frozen ponds or lakes without an adult first checking the ice.
  
• Children should never play on snow piles near parking lots or on the road side... and ensure children stay well away from snow plows.
  

Hypothermia results from extended exposure in low temperatures... It can occur on the ski hill, in an unheated car, or getting wet... anything that causes the body temperature to fall below normal. If you are a parent you need to be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia in children as well as adults and know what to do. For older children and teenagers, it is also important you educate them. When conditions exist that pose a risk of hypothermia be observant and seek medical attention if you notice symptoms which can include:

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Impaired or slurred speech or vision
• Clumsy movements
• Blurred vision
• Severe symptoms can include stiff muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and breathing rates and unconsciousness.

Get the person to a warm, dry place as soon as possible, remove wet clothing and seek medical attention immediately. Never rub the skin. Bundling in a blanket will help retain body heat.

Frostbite can occur anywhere outside during cold temperatures. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect frostbite.

There are two degrees of frostbite:

• Superficial frostbite looks like gray or yellowish patches on the skin, especially, fingers, toes, face, ears but can occur on any exposed skin... The first symptoms are usually numbness or itching and prickly pain. The skin remains soft but becomes red and flaky after it thaws.
  
• Deep or Severe Frostbite looks like waxy and pale skin and feels cold, hard and solid to the touch... The areas turn blue or purple when thawing and large blisters may appear when the area warms up.

What to do if you suspect frostbite:

• Get the person out of the cold and into a warm place.
  
• Seek medical attention immediately.
  
• Remove any tight clothing to increase circulation.
  
• If affected area is partially thawed, place in warm (not hot) water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If the water is too cool, thawing will take too long. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes for tissues to soften.
  
• Have the victim drink warm fluids to help increase circulation and warm the body - no caffeine or alcohol.
  
• NEVER rub or massage the affected area and never put snow or ice on the frostbite. The area can be protected with a fluffy clean bandage and any moisturising cream can be applied.
  

Altitude illness occurs when the body does not adjust well to having less oxygen to breathe at higher altitudes. Anyone can be affected by it. To reduce the risk of this affliction, consider ascending to high altitudes in gradual steps to allow the body to adjust. If any member of the family has predisposition to this illness, check with your doctor before you go on holiday as medicines are available.

• Common symptoms of altitude illness are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
  
• Other symptoms can include poor appetite, vomiting, and trouble sleeping as well as pale, cool skin.
  
• Watch for changes in behaviour in children. Children can exhibit symptoms more quickly and become much sicker than adults.
  
• An unusual and uncommon form of Altitude Illness causes fluid to collect in the lungs. If a family member exhibits a cough that becomes wetter, breathing becomes difficult and faster as well as a faster heart beat, immediately seek medical attention.
  
• If you suspect altitude illness, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may need to descend to a lower altitude to relieve symptoms or mild symptoms may be relieved by rest and eating lightly.
  
  

Helmets should be worn when participating in any snow sport or activity that involves the risk of a head injury and is mandatory in some sports, such as snowmobiling. Consider the following when deciding whether a helmet should be worn... see www.lidsonkids.org an American site containing useful information about helmets.

• It is not safe to go onto ski hills without a helmet.
  
• We are all aware of the need to wear a helmet when riding a bike... some winter activities present just as much, if not more, of a risk of head injury.
  
• Children are accustomed to wearing helmets for many activities, like biking, riding a horse etc.
  
• Studies show that helmets prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries during skiing and snowboarding, as well as other winter activities.

Helmet safety tips:

• Wear helmets that are specifically designed for the activity
• Helmets should be comfortable and well fitting, with straps snug to prevent movement of the helmet. When purchasing a helmet, have it fitted.
• Helmets involved in a serious accident or fall, are cracked or just old should be replaced.
  

Regardless of how you enjoy your snow sport, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are inherent risks in all snow recreation activities that common sense and personal awareness can reduce. These risks include rapid changes in weather and surface conditions, collisions with other people as well as natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, bare spots, lift towers and snowmaking equipment. Observe the code below and share with others the responsibility for a great experience.

• Know your ability and always stay in control and be able to stop and avoid other people or objects. It is your responsibility to stay in control on the ground and in the air.
  
• Take lessons from qualified professional instructors to learn and progress.
  
• As you proceed downhill or overtake another person, you must avoid the people below and beside you.
  
• Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or run, or are not visible from above.
  
• When entering a trail or run or starting downhill, look uphill and give way to others.
  
• Always use chairlift restraining devices and always use proper devices to prevent runaway equipment. Ensure your equipment is in good condition.
  
• Observe and obey all signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails or runs and out of closed areas.
  
• Before using any lift you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
  
• Do not ski, snowboard, ride a lift or undertake any other alpine activity if your ability is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  
• If you are involved in, or witness an accident, alert Ski Patrol, remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol.
  
  Know the code... It's your responsibility!
  

Injuries tend to occur at particular times of the day, mostly in the late morning or late afternoon... Evidence suggests that beginners and less experienced skiers have a higher risk of injury than intermediate or advanced skiers.

The cause and type of injuries

• Sprains, laceration, fractures and bruising are the most common types of injuries.
• Knees are the most common body part injured accounting for between 20 and 32% of all alpine skiing injuries. Inadequate release of bindings has been implicated in lower limb injuries. Binding release performance may be influenced by the quality of the binding, inadequate adjustment and the condition of the ski boot sole.
• Upper extremity injuries account for 17-25% of all skiing injuries. Thumb injuries are particularly common.
• Falling on to the thumb and retention of the ski pole in the hand during a fall contributes to many thumb injuries.

• Have your equipment checked by a certified technician before you start the season. A technician will make sure that your bindings and other settings are right.
  
• Make sure your boots fit correctly... Ski boots are the most important part of your equipment today. When buying boots, work with a trained boot fitter to ensure that you get the right fit. Also consider getting custom foot beds to further enhance your boot fit and ultimately your skiing performance.
  
• When putting your skis on, make sure that the soles of your boots are free from any snow or ice. If there is a build up of snow on your boots, you will not be able to fit them properly into the bindings.
  
• When loading the chairlift, pay attention to directions given by the lift attendants. Move forward to the "load here" sign when it is your turn... Turn around and watch for the chair. Have your poles in the inside hand. As the chair comes around, sit down easily. Don't forget to pull down the safety bar. Enjoy the ride.
  
• When unloading the chairlift, raise the safety bar as instructed by posted signs on the lift towers. When the chair arrives at the unloading zone, stand up in control and slide down the ramp. Move away from the unloading zone immediately to avoid congestion or being bumped by other skiers who are unloading behind you.
  
• If you fall and can't get up, make sure that your skis are below you on the hill facing across the hill, not downhill. Place your poles in the snow above your hips and push yourself up.
  
• If your skis are sticking to the snow or sliding like crazy across the ice this means you are in need of a tune-up. Take your skis to a professional for a tune and wax. This will greatly enhance your skiing experience.
  
• There are a wide variety of skis to choose from, each with its own flex, look, composure, weight, height, side cut, purpose and ability. It is a good idea when buying a pair of skis to demo them first in order to find out which type of ski is best for you.
  
• Gloves, hats, and goggles are very important when skiing. Gloves and a hat keep you warm and goggles make skiing when the snow making machines are running or the weather is bad much safer and easier.
  

• Carry a first aid kit - and an emergency survival kit.
  
• Wear a helmet - Most places have laws with respect to helmets on snowmobiles. See Helmet Safety
  
• Maintain control and never go too fast.
  
• Leave an itinerary with someone so they know where you are going and when you are expected back.
  
• Keep a trail map with you and know where you are. Stay on marked trails.
  
• Be aware of the snow conditions and avalanche warnings.
  
• Courses are available to learn safe operating procedures for snowmobiles.
  
• Children under 16 years of age should not operate a snowmobile as adolescents and children may not have the strength and skill to operate them safely... Children should always be supervised by an adult snowmobiles are being used.
  
• Children under 6 are not strong enough to be transported safely on snowmobiles. Never carry more than one passenger.
  
• Snowmobilers can suffer hearing loss from excess engine noise. Limit children's exposure to this noise... or consider using helmets with built in ear muffs.
  
• Never venture onto frozen lakes and rivers. Watch for hazards such as tree stumps, fences, and where you cross other trails... Proceed at a safe speed and use caution on unfamiliar trails.
  
• Consider carrying a pager or mobile phone (keep inside your jacket so the battery stays warm).
  
• Snowmobiles should not be used to tow a tyre, tub, sled or saucer. Only specifically designed tow carts should be used.
  
• Never Snowmobile alone.
  
• Avoid scarves, loose clothing and tie up long hair that can get caught on trees or in equipment... See Danger of Drawstrings.
  
  

Toboggans can be dangerous and are often prohibited on ski slopes. However, National Parks and Wildlife Service provide toboggan slopes in specified areas of the parks. Use only moulded plastic toboggans in designated toboggan areas. Do not use plastic bags, have more than one person in a toboggan at any time or make toboggan trains. PLease take note and obey National Parks and Wildlife Service signage.

• Wear a helmet.
  
• Check the hill first before tobogganing to ensure it is safe and free from trees, rocks, fences or other obstacles.
  
• Never Toboggan down or across a roadway or parking lot.
  
• Check that the toboggan or sled is in good condition and there are no sharp edges or broken parts.
  
• Don't Toboggan at night or on dusk as visibility is reduced.
  
• Maintain control and look for a clear path before starting your run.
  
• If you judge a slope beyond your ability or conditions become unsafe don't go down the hill.
  
• Never toboggan onto a lake, river or other ice.
  
• Toboggan on snow - avoid icy conditions that can cause excessive speed.
  
• Teach children to sit forward, not backwards, head first or lying down... To quickly get out of the way at the bottom of the hill and to roll off the toboggan if heading for danger.
  
• Avoid scarves, loose clothing and tie up long hair that can get caught... See Danger of Drawstrings.
  
• Teach children to slide down the middle of the hill and climb up the sides.
  
• Obey age limits for snow racers.
  
• Children under 5 should not go down the hill alone... Use a toboggan that is large enough for an adult to go down with the child.
  

• Ensure that children wear a safety approved helmet - Parents should too. Hockey Helmets with face cages are best as they will protect the face in the case of a forward fall also... See Helmet safety.
  
• Make sure an adult checks the ice before children venture onto any lakes, ponds or rivers. Ice should be smooth and at least 10 cm thick. Never skate near open water.
  
• Never skate alone - make sure children tell parents where they are going.
  
• Skate in the same direction as the crowd and avoid darting or racing.