Along with joy of shredding the half-pipe or schussing down a pristine white slope, comes a certain amount of risk and an obligation to be courteous to others enjoying the slopes. Many of us don’t even think about these risks – we grew up on skis – we’re not going to be injured, right? Common sense and personal awareness can make your day skiing or snowboarding a safe and positive experience for yourself and for those sharing the slopes with you.

According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), an average 38 people have died each year snowboarding or skiing over the past 10 years. There are about 42 serious injuries, including paralysis and serious head injuries per year.

Given the total estimated number of 57.4 million skiers and snowboarder days per year in the 2008/2009 season, the number of deaths and injuries are quite small. However, at Bachus & Schanker, we believe any deaths or injuries are too many.

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself while skiing or snowboarding is to use a helmet. In its annual Demographic Study, NSAA found that:

- 77 percent of children 9 years old or younger wear ski helmets
- 66 percent of children between 10 and 14 wear ski helmets
- 63 percent of adults over the age of 65 wear ski helmets
- Helmet usage by skiers and boarders aged 18 to 24 is currently 32 percent, representing a 78 percent increase in usage for this age group since the 2002/03 season, when only 18 percent wore helmets.

Here are some skiing/snowboarding safety tips from NSAA:- Take a lesson. Like anything, you’ll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
- The key to successful skiing/snowboarding is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain and the skiers/snowboarders around you. Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change. As conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and fast. Begin a run slowly.
- Skiing and snowboarding require a mental and physical presence.
- If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/snowboard on and side step down the slope.
- The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
- Drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated.
- Curb alcohol consumption. Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.
- Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly – and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.
- If you’re tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.
- Follow the “Your Responsibility Code,” the seven safety rules of the slopes:

1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

Let’s all be more safety conscience and courteous to other and help reduce the number of fatatalities and injuries on the Colorado slopes this season.

Today was the first day I finished the ride. It definitely boosted my self confidence a bunch. The last five miles I could not wipe the smile off my face. I was so thrilled to finish the last 33 miles.

Dying of Heatstroke - But Not for Long!

On the Way Up Fremont Pass

I Made It...11,318 ft

The End!!!

This year the Courage Classic raised over $2.5 million. This has been such an amazing experience I am considering coming back next year after all my bruises heal and with a little more training.

Ellaura Harris

It was 36 miles to lunch and I made it the whole way. The last 18 I could not do because my butt is so bruised it hurts to sit on the bike seat. I was in tears riding into lunch because I was in so much pain. I am still extremely proud of the amount of riding I have been able to do.

...And We're Off!

My Brother's Shirt

Tomorrow is the last day and I have mixed feelings about it. I am excited because it will mean I have completed it. I am sad because it has been such a wonderful experience and I have been able to spend time with my uncle.

They Made It!!!

Stay tuned for Day Four of my ride.

Ellaura Harris

I am kind of disappointed in myself but I am also very proud of what I did accomplish. At one point we were going down a hill, a steep one, and my uncle who was riding behind me said, “The biggest bug just flew into me!” I laughed at him only to find out the second largest bug in the world hit me.

Putting On My Rider Number

On the Bridge We Weren't Supposed to Stop On Over the Eagle River

A Beautiful Rainbow

Stay tuned for Day Three of my ride.

Ellaura Harris

I am riding in the 157 mile Courage Classic benefiting the Children’s Hospital because they have been extremely helpful through all the problems I have had. When I was four years old I had to have decompression surgery for Arnold-Chiari Malformation.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation is a genetic disorder where my brain does not fit in my skull, pushing down into the spinal column stopping my spinal fluid from circulating. A week after the diagnosis I went in for the four hour surgery. During it the surgeon broke the back of my skull, pulled it out, shaved off part of my cerebellum, took the back half of my top vertebrae and placed a natural tissue patch over it to protect my spinal cord. I also had a bubble of spinal fluid in my syrinx. At nearly the same time I had a syrinx shunt put in. I did not have any problems until eleven years later when I was diagnosed with Chronic Pain. We were not sure if another decompression surgery would work but it was a slight problem and if we didn’t do it now we would have to have another one later down the road. We decided to do it. It was unsuccessful as far as the pain but I will not have to have it later. As far as the Chronic Pain is concerned I am controlling it pretty well with medication and other means. We have had absolutely no bad experiences working with Children’s. I want to give back part of what I have taken. I will never be able to completely give back because there is no payment for my life.

I am also hoping to grow mentally and emotionally. This is going to be a huge challenge for me because I have not ridden very much and we are five thousand feet higher than where I have trained. I am slightly worried about my pain and having to stop or not complete the ride.

Yesterday the Aurora Sentinel came out and interviewed me about the ride. It was press for the hospital…and it worked. I have raised $100 from the press release.

Stay tuned for the next day of my ride in the Courage Classic.

Ellaura Harris

The human spine is an infinitely complex operating system. Bundles of nerves intertwine with soft tissues and bone, creating opportunities for minor injuries that have serious repercussions. The smallest of back injuries must be taken very seriously. Not all damage will become instantly known at the time of a back injury. Indeed, problems that seem insignificant at first often deteriorate in ways the employee did not foresee.

The spine is also fragile. It doesn’t take much to force a disc out of place, leaving the employee unable to perform any physical tasks for weeks or even months. All of this points to one truism: injuries to the back should always be reported to the employer. Some employers are skeptical of back claims because the effects of them are not immediately visible. However, our parents always told us it’s better to be safe than sorry, and with back injuries that is especially true.

Back injuries at work should be reported to the employer in writing. This is a law that many workers are not aware of. Remember that in order to get workers’ compensation benefits, the employer usually must know about the injury. Some employees assume that coworkers will be available to give statements to employers if there are questions about the back injury. Sometimes that happens, and sometimes not.

Even if symptoms are minor in the early stages following the back injury, they may later become unmanageable. Also, the laws in Colorado may be able to compensate someone regardless of whether their symptoms or pain keep them from working. Therefore, it is smart for employees to communicate fully and honestly with the employer about back injuries. Sometimes, back pain can resolve over time with proper physical therapy. Some back injuries, however, create lingering pain and dysfunction that can be both alarming and painful.

Employees should always abide by the safety rules of his or her company. However, even when abiding by these rules, injuries to the lower, mid or upper spine can occur at the drop of a hat. Some employers will be skeptical of a back injury if it’s not reported immediately. This may lead to a delay in getting benefits, or worse, a denial of the claim altogether. Though statistics show that very few back claims are fraudulent in the U.S., the best policy is to play it safe and report any injuries as soon as they happen so the claim is not denied. Doctors can diagnose injuries to the human spine that may be invisible to the naked eye. It is a mistake to assume that pain in the back will just resolve itself all the time. In order to seek effective medical treatment, and to properly navigate the Colorado workers’ compensation system, pay close attention to the health of all the regions in your back, and report any injuries that you suffer while working.

If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, contact the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Bachus & Schanker, LLC, for a free consultation regarding your rights.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the individual author, and not those of Bachus & Schanker, LLC. Furthermore, this blog is for entertainment purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed so as to create an attorney-client relationship. This blog is not legal advice.