With our majestic mountains and gorgeous lakes, winter sports are incredibly popular throughout New Zealand. Millions of Kiwis and international tourists hit the snow and ice each year. Whilst winter sporting is good family fun, it does carry risk.
Before you step outside, consider these six tips for a safer and more enjoyable winter outing.
Dress for the weather
The first step in winter safety is dressing appropriately for the weather. Participating in winter sports means more than just throwing on a jacket and some gloves.
It’s possible to break a sweat even in cold weather, leaving your clothes damp and potentially lowering your body temperature. Dressing in layers is important, giving you the option to easily remove or replace wet clothing. Wearing a waterproof jacket and pants will also help shield you from the elements.
Protect your skin and eyes
Slopping sunscreen on your face should be part of any skier’s or snowboarder’s routine. Sunscreen is associated with warm weather and sunny beaches, but the risk of sunburn can be greater during winter than in summer. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays, putting unprotected skin at risk even on cloudy days. UV radiation exposure increases 4-5% for every 305 metres of elevation above sea level, adding to the danger.1
It’s equally important to protect your lips from sun, as well as wind and cold. Cracks in chapped lips are at risk of infection, and the condition can become chronic overtime.2 Applying lip balm with SPF protection throughout the day will help protect your lips and prevent chapping.
Finally, sunglasses are a winter fashion must. The UV radiation from sunlight, especially when reflecting off fresh snow, can cause photokeratitis, commonly referred to as “snow blindness.” This condition is akin to a sunburn of the eye, causing pain, eyelid twitching, discomfort from bright light and intense tears. Before heading into the snow, make sure to wear UV rated eye protection that is close-fitting and wraps around the side of the head.
Protect your noggin
Helmets are standard gear for cyclists and skateboarders, but it’s common to see people hit the slopes without head protection. Whilst a high-speed wipe out or collisions with objects are obvious sources of danger, even low-speed falls can result in serious injuries. Actress Natasha Richardson passed away after a seemingly minor fall during a ski lesson in 2009.
Whilst helmets may not be mandatory at all ski resorts, they are typically available to rent. It’s highly recommended that children and novice skiers wear one, but even more experience sportsmen may want to consider donning a helmet when hitting the slopes.
Stay hydrated
To help maintain your core temperature in colder temperatures, the brain sends fewer thirst signals to the body.3 However, this doesn’t mean you need less water! In fact, it can be easier to become dehydrated in cold weather than it is in warm weather.
Whether you feel thirsty or not, it’s important to stay well hydrated when engaging in strenuous outdoor activities during winter. Plan regular rest breaks to drink water or a sports drink, and bring plenty of water along if you’ll be spending several hours away from home or the ski lodge.
Mind the signs
Whether you’re a novice or a practiced sportsman, it’s important to listen to the experts. Always keep an eye out for signs or markers indicating dangerous terrain. Ski lodges or emergency services will warn you of downed trees or avalanche risk, and lakes will often post thin ice signs. It’s important to always mind these warnings. You should also keep watch for potentially unsafe conditions, and report these to staff as soon as possible.
Know when to go inside
Cold weather injuries, such as frostbite or chilblains, are serious but preventable conditions. Dressing in appropriate layers, wearing proper footwear, and regularly seeking shelter and warmth can help you avoid these ailments. If your feet or hands become wet, seek shelter and medical treatment immediately.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to cold injuries, so it’s important to watch them closely. Check children frequently for signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and limit their time playing outdoors. If the temperature is excessively cold, it may be best to play inside.
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1. Skin Cancer Foundation, Essential Outdoor Sun Safety Tips for Winter.
2. Kiwi Families, Chapped lips.
3. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Thirst Sensations and AVP Responses at Rest and during Exercise-Cold Exposure.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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