New Zealand Snow Sports Injury Trends Over Five Winter Seasons 2010–2014

Abstract

Ski patrol national incident data were analysed in New Zealand for alpine skiing and snowboarding injuries from 4 June 2010 to 9 November 2014. Over five winter seasons, there were 5,861,643 visitations and 18,382 incidents. The injury rate per 1000 skier/boarder days was relatively constant (3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 2.7, and 3.1, respectively). Falls accounted for the injury mechanism in 74.3% of all injuries. Four died after catastrophic falls (two skiing, two snowboarding). Overall, more knee injuries occurred skiing in soft snow conditions than hard (55 vs. 45%). Advanced skiers were 2.2 times more likely to sustain a knee injury with non-release of the ski-binding in hard snow surface conditions than when the ski-binding released. Despite increased helmet usage (42–83%), there was a very likely increase in concussion (1.29, 99% CI 1.06–1.57). Hard snow conditions increased wrist injuries for both intermediate and novice snowboarders (30 and 12%, respectively). Wrist protection was most likely to be beneficial in preventing wrist injuries (hazard ratio 0.65, 99% CI O.54–0.79). Good visibility compared to poor visibility led to a twofold increase in injuries. Increased slope congestion, changes in direction to avoid collision with others and speed were possible contributing factors. Collisions accounted for 9.6% of all injuries. Going forward New Zealand injury prevention initiatives need to be multifaceted. Recreational skiers need to ski on torque-tested equipment with release settings that are a match for current physical parameters, style, and the ability to ski in different snow surface conditions. Further research is needed to determine whether wearing a helmet increases reckless behaviour in some age groups. An international standard for snow sports wrist protectors with proven dimensions is also needed before ski areas can make any further investment in wrist protectors.