Trip Safety

Ski Safety

Cross country skiing is wonderful form of exercise and a delightful way to enjoy winter. However, it is not without risk. In the 30 year history of the Washtenaw Ski Touring Club there have been incidents which could have been life threatening. Some of these include a car stranded overnight in a snow drift; a car-deer collision, a group of novice skiers led by someone who did not correctly judge the physical conditioning of the group, in combination with winter conditions; hypoglycemia; broken bones; and hypothermia. While it is not possible to assure the safety of all members, in spite of the risks, much can be done, in the areas of preparation, and knowledge, to reduce the frequency of these incidents, and improve the outcome.

Ski safety begins in the fall, as you prepare your body for winter activity. Self knowledge, relative to your level of fitness, strength, flexibility, endurance,and nutritional status, will be be helpful in making judgments about what challenge levels you can consider during the winter season. Ski safety continues, as you prepare your equipment, car, and clothing for the ski season. Finally, ski safety is about the decisions that you make on the day that you ski. This includes how you dress, how much food and water you carry, which trail you choose, and how well you communicate your needs and plans to others. It is important for experienced skiers to suggest safer alternatives to less experienced skiers. While it is always recommended that you ski with others, you are ultimately responsible for your own decisions.

Car safety

Getting to your ski destination during the challenges of winter driving takes preparation. AAA Michigan predicts that 140,000 motorists will experience a vehicle breakdown during November and December.

Maintain your car for winter conditions. Do you have the correct oil for the temperatures that you expect to be driving in? Replace windshield wiper blades. Have the battery tested, check tire pressure. Under-inflated tires hamper traction. Use tires with snow/mud traction capabilities on all four wheels.
Carry jumper cables, flashlight, and weatherproof flares.
Store salt, shovel, and an old rug in the auto to provide traction if needed.
Have lock de-icer on hand.
Travel with a first aid kit and extra warm clothes. A blanket or sleeping bag would increase comfort if stranded.
Pack your cell phone, and any necessary medications, food, and water.
Give yourself extra time and drive slowly.
Always drive with your headlights on day or night.
Know the weather reports.
Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in the tank at all times. You may need it to keep the car warm if stranded. If running the car without moving ventilate it with a cracked open window. If snow bound, stay with the vehicle- don’t try to walk in a severe storm, make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow or mud.
Stay alert to the potential for deer as you drive. If you see one, there are probably others.

Three short stories from Maury:

There was the time that a bunch of us had skied at Canadian Lakes and were in front of Pickleman's. The road, 28 that is, was all iced over. One of the club members was going slowly and we all watched him just as slowly slide into the drainage ditch. To add insult to injury, he was given a ticket for not having control of his car.

And there was the time four club members had all of their equipment on the roof of their car when the rack let go and $6000 worth of ski equipment got shredded on the highway.

Oh yes, there was the time a certain trip leader who is notorious for getting up early on his way to Roscommon, hit black ice, weaved all over the highway and turned his Explorer over. The good new is he received a rub down from Linda Lutzier but spent the whole trip recuperating in the cabin.

Prep for the Trail

Dress in layers to keep body heat in. Use wicking layers to move perspiration away from the body. Staying dry keeps body heat in. Silk, wool, and polyesters have these properties. Cotton is rotten! It does not wick. Add additional layers outer layers to protect from wind, snow, rain. Remember that layering applies to your hands, feet, and head. Men, don’t forget your wind proof briefs, and for all, some conditions require face masks, balaclavas, neck warmers, ear muffs, as well as your hat.
A fanny pack for your safety gear.
Sunglasses, lens defogger. Sunscreen and lip protection with sunscreen
Money, ID, Medical insurance card.
Food: if injured, calories may be a lifesaver
Water, H20,Water, H20,Water,H20 You must prevent dehydration. Dry winter air, combined with activity greatly increase this risk which will affect coordination, and increase the risk of injury. You may choose a combination of food and water, or a sport drink but you must drink on schedule, before, during, and after exercise. Check your urine. A light colored urine means that you are well hydrated. Fatigue may indicate dehydration.
Small flashlight with fresh batteries. These have saved lives when skiers have had to return in the dark. You need them to read your map or help others to find you.
Trail map and compass. Every person in your party needs one in case you become separated. Know where you are. You may need to go for help.
Extra socks/gloves in case you get wet.
Scraper to remove ice from your skis if needed.
A wide range wax or several waxes for changing conditions.
Two sets of car keys. Give one set to someone else in your group. Securing it on your neck is a good idea to prevent loss.
A charged cell phone.
Electric tape and a small knife. You may be able to repair a broken ski pole.
A warm coat for the drive home. You will be wet and can chill easily.

first aid & emergency:

Space blanket for warmth if injured. Can also be used as a sling.
Dermatone for frostbite protection
Maxipads for use for serious bleeding
Ace bandage
SAM splint
fire starter

On the trail

Choose a trail which is a good match for your ability on that day. What is your fitness level? How early is it in the ski season?What are the weather conditions? Are you familiar with the trail? Can you confidently do hills?Do you know the people you are skiing with, and how well do you know them? Can you trust them to understand your ability level? Have you been honest in communicating your ability level?
Which skis will you use? Most properly waxed skies are very fast. Most waxless skies are slower. Longer skies are faster than shorter skies. Narrow skies are faster than wider skies. Are you on a groomed trail or are you breaking trail in the backwoods?
If the trail is very icy should you wait for it to warm up, ski a flat trail, or decide that the risk is too great, and skip the skiing that day to prevent injury?
Most groomed trails are designed so that the inner circles are the shortest and less challenging. Even an experienced skier, would be making a wise choice to warm up on one of these loops early in the season or for the first loop of the day. This is a good way to regain your ski legs, test your wax, and your training.
Ski with others whenever possible. If you ski alone make sure that someone else knows what your plans are and when you expect to be back. It is not a good idea to ski alone but sometimes this happens. If it does you are safest when you ski conservatively. If you do not feel that you can safely go down a hill, it is acceptable to take your skies off and walk far to the right side of the trail.
Most groomed trails are designed to be skied in one direction. This is much safer.
Allow space between downhill skiers. The person in front of you may fall.
Drink water before you become thirsty and drink 4-8 oz, every 15-20 min. when active
Dress so that you are warm, but not overheated. As you warm up, immediately start to ventilate yourself either by removing a layer or unzipping a layer. When you stop for a break increase your layers as soon as you feel cool.

download safety checklist

Linda Lutzeier