Killing Skiing

Skiing is a costly sport in many ways-

The money needed to access the slopes and resorts and all the equipment needed.

Environmental damage- because of tree-felling, damaged flowers and trees, snow-making machines taking water supplies from rivers, traffic, litter and so on.

Injuries and deaths caused by skiing accidents. It is not just "famous" people like Sonny Lister and Kennedy offspring that are killed on the slopes nor freak accidents like military helicopters hitting ski lift pylons.

A January 1997 report in The European newspaper gives some statistics to back up the general impression and anecdotal evidence that skiers routinely put their lives at risk. Figures quoted say that 81,000 skiers had accidents during the 1993/4 season in Austria alone, with 25 deaths. 130,000 people are injured in France yearly. More anecdotal evidence quoted suggests that nearly 10% of all child skiers will be injured.

I know that there are many countries where skiing is almost a natural daily pastime that is taken for granted and pursued routinely. Such frequent practice may reduce the chances of accidents, but I do not think that it can compensate for the fundamental flaws with the sport itself.

Skiing is one of those organized sports like snooker and golf where the entry barriers are high because of the high costs and steep learning curve.

Do you really THINK that all these costs justify the benefit of the adrenaline rush from the speed? THINK about it- how many people do you know who have broken a leg on the piste? I have never been skiing and have promised myself that I never will. Is your skiing off-piste or are you just piste-off?

 

Author: Simon Buckingham

What do you think?

To make a comment to the author, send e-mail to simon@unorgan.com