Skiing – Facts vs. Fears

Skiing is dangerous. Sledding is fun. Most parents worry every moment that their children are in ski school. Skiing is an extreme sport but often extreme sports are quite safe, thanks to innovative safety equipment and new clear rules to follow. But parents often bundle kids off without a thought to the sledding hill. Kids on a sled need as much protective equipment on the sled hill. Yes, that means helmets. Collisions are frequent, at speed, and not everyone uses inflatable inner tube sleds, but wood and blade sleds. In ski communities, locals see the ambulance coming to the sledding hill more than the ski hill. We know our kids need helmets and goggles on the ski hill. But unprotected on the sledding hill is dangerous.

Skiing has never been safer. Child ski safety is taught. Child sledding safety isn’t thought about. But don’t forget safety when sledding on a crowded hill. Watch out for daredevil teen sledders or intoxicated college kids.