Increased Injury Risk Among First-Day Skiers,Snowboarders,and Skiboarders

Background: Inexperience predisposes skiers, snowboarders, and skiboarders to a higher risk of injury.

Hypothesis: Individuals on their very 1st day’s experience of skiing, snowboarding, or skiboarding are at greater risk of injury.

Study Design: Case control study.

Methods: All individuals injured at the three largest ski areas in Scotland during the three winter seasons 1999-2000 through 2001-2002 were included. First-day participants were identified. Individual demographic details and snow sports–related parameters were recorded. Control data were collected from uninjured individuals. Factors associated with injury were explored in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: First-day participants were overrepresented in the injured population by a factor of 2.2. Participant age younger than 17 years or older than 26 years, snowboarding, taking professional instruction, and the use of rented or borrowed gear were all independently associated with increased injury risk among 1st-day participants.

Conclusions: First-day participants are at increased risk of injury. Several independent risk factors for injury have been identified.

Clinical Relevance: First-day participants should be targeted in any future educational programs with emphasis on gear selection, use of protective gear, and the risks of exceeding the limits of their ability.