Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sledding Safety, Children Ages Six to 19 Years

What protective equipment should my child wear?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that children age 12 and under wear a helmet when sledding and that all athletes wear helmets while skiing and snowboarding to reduce the risk of sustaining a head injury. All athletes should wear the appropriate protective gear designed for the sport: skiers should have skis with safety bindings and snowboarders should wear gloves with built-in wrist guards. Both skiers and snowboarders should wear goggles.

What kind of clothes should my child wear while skiing, snowboarding, and sledding?

Wearing several layers of light, loose and water-and wind-resistant clothing will ensure warmth (such as gloves and hats). Scarves should not be worn because they can become tangled or caught in a rope tow or chair lift and cause choking. Layering allows the wearer to add and remove clothing to accommodate the body's constantly changing temperature when outside. Make sure your child wears appropriate footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support when skiing and snowboarding.

What types of possible hazards should I be aware of?

  • Become familiar with the location of fences, trees, rocks, open water, and patches of ice. Skiers and snowboarders should stay on marked trails that are appropriate for their skill level.
  • Avoid potential avalanche areas, such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
  • Be aware of warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety.

Should my child take skiing or snowboarding lessons?

If your child is beginning sports like skiing and snowboarding, they should take one or more lessons from a qualified instructor. This will teach them the basic skills needed.

Are there any techniques that can reduce the impact of a fall?

Learning how to fall safely can reduce the risk of injury. In case of a fall, children should roll over naturally, turning their heads in the direction of the roll, and try to land on the side of the body or buttocks.

Should I supervise my child while they engage in winter sports?

Young children should always be supervised by an adult. Depending on skill and maturity level, older teens may not necessarily require adult supervision, but should always ski, snowboard, or sled with a friend.

Where can I find more information?