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Skiing speed, age, sex, skill level, and risk-taking behavior seem to influence the ability to estimate actual speeds in recreational alpine skiers.

Objective of this study was to evaluate speeds on ski slopes depending on various factors as gender, age, height, weight, and nationality, helmet use, used type of gear, skiing ability, risk taking behaviour and weather conditions. The average speed measured with a radar speed gun was 44 km/h for all observations. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed five independent factors for higher speeds on slopes: younger age, male gender, skier, higher skill level, and riskier behaviour. Helmet use is not associated with higher speeds on slopes. Therefore, ski helmets have been recommended because helmet use is associated with a considerable reduction of head injury risk. In general, to avoid speed related injuries, preventive recommendations include skiing under speed control consistent with the individual skiing ability, and slope and weather conditions.

Objective of this study was to evaluate the actual helmet use on Austrian ski slopes depending on various factors as gender, age, and nationality, used type of gear, skiing ability and risk taking behaviour on slopes. In total, 63% of all observed subjects used ski helmets. However, significant differences have been found with regard to age, nationality, and skiing ability. While 78% of participants younger than 20 years used helmets, only 53% of those over 60 years were wearing ski helmets. Helmet use was significantly higher in locals compared to foreigners (75 vs. 52%) and in more skilled skiers compared to less skilled skiers (67 vs. 47%). No significant differences have been found with regard to gender, used type of gear, and risk taking behaviour. Thus, future helmet campaigns should also be aimed at older people, ski guest from other nations, and less skilled skiers.

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