ACC urges caution in snow season
Accident Compensation Corporation statistics show the region had 6697 snowboarding- and skiing-related injuries in 2024 — more than three times higher than Canterbury (2159), Auckland (1259) and Manawatū-Whanganui (1020).
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said overall, the corporation accepted 7632 skiing injuries, which came at a cost of $30 million to help people recover, and 5104 snowboarding injuries, which cost $14 million.
"When winter comes around, many people head up the mountain and get into skiing or snowboarding after not doing it for a year, and this leads to accidents and injuries," he said.
"If you're hitting the slopes, complete a good dynamic warm-up before you do your first run — that will get you ready for the fun day ahead.
"You don't want to get injured on one of your first trips to the mountain and spend months on the couch while your mates are heading away every weekend."
A loss of balance or personal control was the leading cause of injury ahead of a twisting movement, for both snowboarding and skiing, he said.
The knees (2165) and shoulders (943) were the most injured body parts in skiing, while shoulders (875), knees (584) and hand/wrist (569) were the most injured body parts in snowboarding.
The age group with the most snowboarding injuries was the 25-29 age group (926), and the 20-24 age group (785) had the most injuries for skiing.
The Snow Safety Code urged snow-sport-lovers to know their limits, stop only in places where they could be seen, give others room and to protect themselves by wearing a helmet, obeying all signs and closures and taking regular rest breaks.
Mr Whitaker also encouraged people to be considerate of others, especially during busy periods like the upcoming school holidays, when there would be less space.
"New Zealand has some of the world's most beautiful places to ski and snowboard, and the start of the snow season is always an exciting time, but ease into it so you can enjoy the slopes throughout the winter season."
The Remarkables skifield is expected to open this weekend, while Cardrona and Coronet Peak are expected to open on June 15.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
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