Iverson: Preventing concussions on the mountain starts with skiing with care
Valley Voices

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Living in a ski town, injuries are quite prevalent. I often witness firsthand ski patrollers pulling injured skiers down in their sleds, which reminds us of the dangers of the sport we all love.
Breaking bones or tearing ligaments are inherent risks in skiing. However, injuries not so easily seen, but equally as important, are head traumas and concussions.
I’ve had personal experience with concussions after sustaining one myself. Because of this, I partnered with the Colorado Concussion Research Laboratory, located at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, to research and understand the impact of concussions on high school students.
Education is extremely valuable in recognizing an often misunderstood injury like a concussion. My aim is to further educate locals and tourists alike on concussions and provide meaningful steps to reduce the number sustained in the Vail Valley. My highest priority is the safety and health of this community that surrounds and supports me.
Due to the abundance of concussions in our active community, it is paramount to understand them. A study by the Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention indicated that 20% of the 600,000 U.S. skiing and snowboarding injuries each year are head-related. Concussions are defined as traumatically induced brain injuries. Hitting a tree, falling back on ice, and collisions with other skiers are usual mechanisms of this type of injury on the ski hill.

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Common symptoms following a concussion include nausea, fatigue and headaches, while more severe concussions can lead to memory loss, trouble focusing and problems with balance. Concussions can also have increasingly detrimental effects as cumulative concussions increase the risk for poor mental health and later-in-life symptoms.
Due to the wider range of symptoms and severity, concussions aren’t always an obvious diagnosis. And, since information regarding concussions isn’t readily accessible to many people, they may not realize they need medical attention if they experience one. Skiers shouldn’t hesitate to seek out the high-quality health care professionals available in the Vail Valley if a head injury occurs.
Contrary to popular belief, helmets aren’t designed to prevent concussions. David Howell, the director of clinical research at the Colorado Concussion Research Laboratory, says, “Injuries like skull fractures or brain bleeds, which can lead to hospital stays or even death, can be prevented or mitigated by a properly fitting helmet while skiing … (But) helmets aren’t designed to prevent concussions, so people should not have a sense of false security that wearing a helmet will prevent all head injuries while on the mountain.”
This corresponds with research findings from a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center study, as well.
Although some accidents on the hill happen due to chance, risky behavior and overconfidence in one’s ability are two main factors that contribute to the prevalence of concussions while skiing.
Echoing Dr. Howell, helmets are absolutely necessary while skiing, but a skier’s responsibility is much more important in preventing concussions. Vail Mountain attracts a wide range of skiers, from experienced locals to tourists strapping on skis for the first time. In addressing safety applicable to all skill levels, regulations need to be advertised and communicated effectively so everyone can understand and follow the rules.
More than half of Vail Mountain’s runs are considered advanced, and many unqualified skiers find themselves in situations beyond their skill levels. Overconfidence in one’s abilities or misreading signage can lead to dangerous situations, severely raising the risk of injury and, thus, the risk of a concussion for oneself and others. Being an educated and accountable skier is mandatory to prevent injuries.
Because the capability of helmets to prevent concussions is limited, different measures need to be taken to decrease concussion risks. Understanding and being educated on common symptoms associated with concussions will prompt those who are injured to seek professional medical attention.
Another way to moderate risks is to be aware of one’s skiing ability and select runs accordingly. These two steps, along with properly fitted equipment, will exponentially increase safety on the slopes.
Vail Mountain School, where I’m a student, has a long-standing tradition of all-school ski days in our second semester. With these nearing, the importance of skier safety is that much more important. Kids in grades K-12, whom I’ve attended school with for many years, will be on the mountain and will face the risks that skiing presents.
With proper precautions and education, parents’ worries can be mitigated during these all-school ski days. As a high school senior about to leave the Vail Valley for college, I wanted to have a positive impact on my community and leave behind a legacy of safety ambassadorship. Advocating for my community’s well-being is my top priority.
Hunter Iverson is a senior at Vail Mountain School. This column was prompted by the concussion research that he completed and submitted for publication with the Colorado Concussion Research Laboratory at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus. For more information, check out his LinkedIn profile.
