the PDF version - Commission de la sécurité des

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COMMISSION DE LA SECURITE DES CONSOMMATEURS
Paris, February 10, 2005
RECOMMENDATION ON THE SAFETY OF SHORT SKIS
THE CONSUMER SAFETY COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Consumer Code and specifically Articles L.224-1, L-224-4, R.224-4 and R.224-7 to
R.224-12,
Having regard to the petition No. 04-033,
Whereas:
I - THE PETITION
Mr Philippe L. submitted to the CSC on February 19, 2004 the case of the skiing accident he suffered
on January 1, 2004 on one of the ski slopes of the LES ROUSSES ski resort situated in the village of
PREMANON (JURA) in the following terms “I suffered 4 fractures, including an open fracture
between the tibia and the fibula”. “According to the surgeons, such serious injuries could have
resulted in amputation if the blood vessels or an artery had been injured and if I had not had the
presence of mind to straighten my foot in the correct position immediately (…..). I will be unable to
walk for 3 months if all goes well, but with 10 pins in my tibia then I will have to undergo 2 months of
physiotherapy to learn to walk again, in other words 5 to 6 months off work”. Since he was a
beginner, Mr L. had asked to hire snowblade type short skis he had heard about because apparently
they were quicker to become accustomed to. During the accident, the skis were not released. Mr. L.
claims that a) the fact that the bindings on such skis cannot release the skier's foot in the event of a fall
should be considered as a failure to guarantee safety and b) the hirer failed to fulfill his obligation to
advise his customer, as he should have drawn attention to the fact that these skis were not equipped
with release bindings1.
II – THE HEARINGS AND THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE CSC
The Committee interviewed:
- Three ski manufacturers:
-
Mme L. and Mr D. from the SALOMON company,
1
A release binding is a “binding that release the ski boot when certain forces reach a set value” (definition given in French
standard NF ISO 8614 of March 1998 “Ski bindings: Terminology”).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
C.S.C. – Cité Martignac – 111, rue de Grenelle - 75353 PARIS 07 SP
Reception - Tel.: 01.43.19.56.68 – Fax.: 01.43.19.56.66
Documentation – Tel.: 01.43.19.56.60 – Fax.: 01.43.19.57.00
Internet: http://www.securiteconso.org or http://www.cscnet.org
1.
-
Mr B. from HEAD TYROLIA company,
Mr P. from the ROSSIGNOL company.
- Representatives from an association of doctors specialized in treating skiing accidents.
-
Mrs P. and Dr L. from the Association des médecins de montagne.
Within the framework of a partnership with the Institut National de la Consommation (National
Consumers’ Institute), Mrs R., engineer and ergonomist, specialist in products and services for the
public, was commissioned to carry out a study in three parts:
■ An enquiry among ski hire agencies performed in town from November 17 to 29, 2004 and in ski
resorts in the Northern Alps and in the Pyrenees from December 6 to 8, 2004).
The purpose of this enquiry was to use a questionnaire to:
-
Identify the types of short ski hired out and in particular to determine if they were equipped
with release bindings or non-release bindings in the event of a fall;
Find out what kind of advice is given to the skier by the hire agency, either spontaneously or
when requested;
Find out in which conditions short skis are hired out to children measuring less than 1.50 m.
■ Gain information from the skiing profession
The purpose of this part was to gain information from the skiing profession on the precautions to be
taken when using short skis: ski instructors, ski slope patrollers, rescuers, hospital accident and
emergency services.
■ Technical assessment of short ski bindings
The purpose was to analyze how the bindings reacted to the “usual” types of fall: forward fall,
backward fall, twist. Two types of short skis with already fitted bindings were tested:
- The SALOMON “BUZZ ” snowblade with non-release bindings;
- The HEAD “BIG EASY” short ski with release bindings.
III – THE PRESENTATION AND POSITION OF SHORT SKIS IN THE SNOW SPORTS
MARKET
1.
An innovatory product for a new profile of skier
There is an abundant amount of snow sport materials on offer in the French mountains and it is
constantly changing. According to certain observers, the constant research into new, innovatory skiing
equipment is putting beginners more and more at risk: “In addition, the highly dynamic innovation in
the snow sports sector intended to boost sales2 is inducing a constant switching of techniques with the
obvious need to re-learn that is conducive to accidents. The development of new ski techniques
(snowboard, parabolic skis, skwal, telemark, or snowblades) generates a significant number of
beginners, which in itself is conducive to falls and collisions.” or again “The ski hire agencies
themselves have identified another emerging trend among part of their customers that is seen as
leading to potential danger: A demand for easy, quick to learn skiing that is leading to constant
2
Annual sales of short skis throughout the world are estimated at 600 000 pairs per year for 4 million pairs of alpine skis
purchased. The French market, in which sales peaked in 1999, is showing a current down trend (32 000 pairs per year). The
current price of a snowblade is 170 euros when purchased in the ski resort. SALOMON sells top-of-range equipment and
selects its salespersons to protect its reputation on the market. The average price of short skis in the major stores
DECATHLON and GO SPORT is around 100 euros. On an international scale, the most important markets are the North
American and the French markets, where hiring ski equipment is most common. In Germanic counntries, the tendency is to
purchase one’s own equipment.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Secrétariat - Tél.: 01.43.19.56.68 – Fax.: 01.43.19.56.66
Documentation – Tél.: 01.43.19.56.60 – Fax.: 01.43.19.57.00
Internet: http://www.securiteconso.org ou http://www.cscnet.org
2.
changing from one activity to another to find the one that allows the beginner to make progress more
quickly and thus have fun immediately. This fringe group would not accept to make the necessary
effort of progressive learning. They develop a false impression that they can learn quickly. This made
management of the conditions of these less-than-ideal practices and crisis management all the more
difficult”3.
With the great diversity of ski types, there is naturally a great diversity of ski bindings. The most
frequent types of ski are:
-
Alpine skis, more than 1m long and equipped with a safety release binding;
Snowboards on which the feet are attached using either cable bail type "bindings"4 to
support ski boots, or step-in types to insert boots;
Telemark skis, about 1.80 long and equipped with a hinged, non-release binding;
Cross-country skis, about 1.80 long and also equipped with a hinged, non-release binding;
Short skis, as the name suggests, are small skis no more than 99 cm long and equipped
either with non-release cable bail type bindings or release bindings. Most common names
of short skis: “Snowblade”5, “skiboard” “big foot”.
Skiing using short skis differs from the other skiing techniques in certain ways:
-
No ski sticks are used;
The skier must adopt a very low position in order to keep balanced;
The skier needs to balance on both feet to guide turns;
Turns and pivoting without effort need a turning radius of between 5 and 9 meters;
They are light, easy to handle and compact;
They are intended for use at low speeds and for « fun » skiing only;
They are designed to be used on groomed snow. They are not recommended for powdery
snow or off-piste use.
The enquiry among the skiing profession showed up two types of short ski user profiles:
“- Those who cannot ski and do not wish to learn. These people have the impression that they
know how to ski and so can ski fast without falling. In this category, we find people who are adept
at roller blading and other such town sports, and many young city dwellers. Their behavior is
often risky: They ski fast but cannot control their speed, cannot judge the limits with respect to
other skiers and surfboarders present on the slopes, and ignore the risks;
- Skiers who want to try a different form of skiing without having to learn, or because they wish to
perform acrobatics, or simply for a change. They use the short skis in the same way as classic skis,
whereas their stability and their turning techniques are completely different; This category of
skier controls the skis better than the first category. Most accidents happen to the first category.”
2.
A flagrant lack of training in the use of short skis
The enquiry carried out at the ski schools of LA PLAGNE, l’ALPE d’HUEZ, and les 2 ALPES
showed that, unlike alpine skiing and snowboarding, none of the ski schools we contacted proposed
collective short skis courses, which is surprising given the high number of those who use short skis6,
yet individual courses are available on demand.
3
Extract from the book by Bastien SOULE “Sports d’hiver et Sécurité. De l’analyse des risques aux enjeux de leur gestion”.
Edited by Harmattan 2004.
4
The ski boot is held in place by two cable bails, one at the front and one at the back, that are clamped onto the boot.
5
The name “snowblade” is a trade mark of the SALOMON company. Launched in 1997, it is now the leader in the French
market.
6
Sometimes, collective courses are proposed for beginners that include different forms of the sport; skiing, surfboarding and
using short skis.
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3.
IV – THE HEARINGS OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Two manufacturers develop different short ski binding technologies. A third refused to commercialize
short skis.
1.
The SALOMON company
SALOMON carried out design studies and practical tests on this product before launching it on the
market. Performance tests were carried out in several ski resorts, on several types of snow and with
skiers of different levels. These tests were then completed by reliability tests performed in UCPA
centers (French operator of sport holidays for young people). Follow-up sheets were filled in and
transmitted to a center that analyzed the service life of the product over several years. A total of 3 500
days of snowblading would have been necessary to qualify the product.
Snowblade bindings are non-release type bindings. So the ski boots are not released from the ski in the
event of a fall. According to the product manual, the cable bail type binding must be adjusted to suit
the boot (alpine ski boot, randonnee ski boot or snowboard boot) by a SALOMON approved
technician. Since they have no ski brake, snowblade bindings are equipped with a strap to prevent the
ski from becoming lost if they are taken off; or to allow the skier to carry them.
According to the SALOMON representatives, fitting an alpine ski type binding would limit the flex of
the snowblade and would adversely affect its control (passive safety). Most of the manufacturers who
propose skis less than 1 meter long have followed the same reasoning, with the exception of HEAD
TYROLIA7.
As part of its technological watch mission, SALOMON analyzed the HEAD TYROLIA first
generation bindings. It appears that during tests, several accidental releases were recorded, as were
several instances of skis becoming lost (tests performed on a chairlift). According to SALOMON,
these problems were signaled via internet by people who had purchased these skis.
HEAD TYROLIA has developed a second generation of more reliable release bindings that
SALOMON should be testing late 2004.
Between 1998 and 2000, SALOMON attempted to improve its product by creating a ski that allowed
the boot to release from the actual ski in case of blockage. This project was abandoned because it was
unreliable and because, according to SALOMON, the cable bail type binding has never been doubted
by international experts, and especially, according to SALOMON, the fact that there is less danger in
using short skis than other skiing techniques.
The fact that snowblades are not equipped with release bindings is clearly indicated by an orange label
stuck on the ski. Moreover, the use of snowblades of 99 cm long is not recommended for persons less
than 1.50 m in height, in other words, most children. This is also mentioned on the label. SALOMON
has also developed a 64 cm long ski intended for shorter skiers, in particular children: the GROM
model, that has a non-release binding. However, SALOMON has agreed to suspend the
commercialization of this product in 2005 to avoid confusion with products intended for adults.
Since 1994, SALOMON has been working jointly with the Association des médecins de montagne
(AMM) on the epidemiological monitoring of the different types of snow sports. Since 1998,
SALOMON and the AMM have been using a specific measurement for short ski accident data. The
same procedure was performed with an American expert during two winter seasons.
7
SALOMON has counted 23 manufacturers world-wide and analyzed 56 models. Before the snowblade was put on the
market, the Kneissl ‫״‬BIGFOOT‫ ״‬and the ‫״‬SKIBOARDS‫ ״‬made by CANON and LINE were already using the bail type
binding.
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4.
According to the representatives of this company, these epidemiologic studies seem to prove that the
short ski is the least dangerous alpine sport, despite the higher risk of leg fractures. It appears that
there are less accidents with short skis that with snowboards.
Apparently, there is a high proportion of beginners and intermediates (to use the terminology used by
the AMM8 as well as under-sixteens9 using short skis with respect to other snow sports. 78.8 % of
those injured using short skis are either beginners or intermediates. For alpine skiing, it is the highest
level, i.e. advanced skiers who have the highest total of accidents (78,5 %).
There are numerous injuries, especially among the under-sixteens. There are more leg and ankle
fractures but fewer knee sprains than with alpine skiing. Unlike alpine skiing, there are apparently
very few injuries to the upper limbs: chest, abdomen, face, skull.
Based on this study and the analysis of the skiers' behavior, SALOMON deduced that:
-
There is a high proportion of inexperienced people using short skis who have not mastered
the based notions of ski sports and who cannot control their speed;
In spite of SALOMON’s recommendations, short skis are frequently used by children
under 1.50 m.
The SALOMON representatives consider that it is necessary to insist on the prohibition of short skis
for children under 1.50m. Each snowblade has a self-adhesive label in several languages bearing the
following details: “This ski is not equipped with release binding. The use of snowblades is not suitable
for persons under 1.50 m in height. If you rent or lend your equipment, remember to pass on the above
information!”
SALOMON will soon be commercializing a product that has all the properties of the snowblade, plus
a release binding. It should be released in Autumn 2005 and is intended for beginners. For experienced
skiers, the company will also keep a snowblade without release bindings available on the market.
2.
The HEAD TYROLIA company
The HEAD TYROLIA company, represented by Mr B. who was interviewed by the CSC is the
leading winter sports manufacturer, founded in 1976. It is a subsidiary of the Austrian group HEAD
TYROLIA MARES. HEAD TYROLIA manufactures equipment for three main markets:
-
Tennis, which gives the company its highest turnover. HEAD tennis racket sales are the
world’s second leading trade name, behind WILSON;
Diving equipment;
Winter sports equipment: ski boots, skis, bindings and snowboards.
Each year, 42 000 pairs of HEAD TYROLIA skis are sold out of a total of 480 000 pairs sold on the
French market.
The company sold 1 700 pairs of short skis in 2003 and had planned to increase this to 5 000 in 2004.
At present, it is the only company in France commercializing short skis less than 1 m long with release
bindings such as used on alpine skis.
These short skis cost 300 euros for the public, making them a top-of-range product on the French
market.
HEAD TYROLIA short skis are on sale in sports shops such as “le Vieux Campeur”. So they are not
available in the large-scale chain stores and rarely in ski hire agencies.
8
9
The intermediates are able to master the basic movements of the sport. The advanced have an even higher level.
In spite of the warnings given to persons under 1.50 m in height.
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5.
HEAD TYROLIA holds the patent for a large number of ski bindings, in particular the bindings fitted
on short skis that allow a diagonal release. Binding sales figures were very high a few years ago,
because the HEAD TYROLIA bindings were also fitted on skis manufactured by rival companies.
They have dropped since, because the ski manufacturers have developed and fitted their own bindings
on their own skis.
Mr B. thinks that short skis are a “trend” that mainly targets adolescents. Many adults feel diminished
about using short skis. So Mr B. considers that short skis will never take over from alpine skis, in
particular since the arrival of parabolic skis that allow skiers almost effortless maneuvering in all types
of snow. The trend is towards shorter lengths of alpine skis for adults (1.2 or 1.3 m). Twenty years
ago, skiing involved a lot of side-slipping and it was necessary to keep the feet close together. With
parabolic skis, the feet are wider apart and the knees are used more. This explains why nowadays
alpine ski accidents are more often torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) of the knee. With short skis,
accidents mainly cause clean fractures of the lower limbs similar to what happened with the former
type of alpine skiing.
It was for essential safety reasons that HEAD TYROLIA opted for release bindings on their short skis.
According to Mr B. and contrary to the arguments of the SALOMON company, there was no “trial
and error” period. HEAD TYROLIA opted from the start to use release bindings and things have not
changed since. No test was performed “in situ” with skiers as to the suitability of the binding for the
ski, however no accidental release of the binding has been reported in normal use. Mr B. states that the
company has not heard of any cases of accidents with HEAD short skis. According to Mr B., ski hirers
could also provide interesting data. In the United States, ski hirers ask their clients to sign a discharge
to avoid claims in the event of an accident.
HEAD TYROLIA short skis can only be used with alpine ski boots. The binding itself complies with
German TÜV standards. It can be adjusted so as to position the skier’s foot always in the center of the
ski, an obvious advantage for those with large shoe sizes. On traditional bindings, the ski boot is
placed much farther to the rear.
Standards exist to govern the correct adjustment of bindings, but there is no guarantee that ski hire
agencies apply these10. Mr B thinks that they should be made obligatory, as is the case in Austria.
The HEAD TYROLIA short ski is reserved exclusively for adolescents and adults. The binding used is
not suitable for persons weighing less than 35 kg. The ski itself bears the following, in English:
“WARNING: FOR ADULTS”. This instruction is also mentioned in the instructions for use of the
product.
3.
The ROSSIGNOL company
The ROSSIGNOL company does not manufacture nor commercialize short skis11.
According to Mr P., these skiing products were originally considered as toys packed into cardboard
boxes and ready to use. Since they measure less than 1 meter, they are not subject to the safety
standards applicable to skiing equipment such as alpine skis where the fitting of release bindings is
mandatory12.
10
For alpine skiing, if the binding is set to a low setting (in other words, too loose), accidental release can occur and the skier
will fall. On the other hand, adjusting the binding to a too high setting (in other words, too tight) will prevent release in case
of a fall, giving results similar to what happen with short ski bindings. The bindings are set using the escale of numbers
visible on the front stops and the heel clamp. This is a standardized scale used by all manufacturers. The binding adjustment
standards take account of the skier’s sex, weight and ski boot size. To obtain a personalized adjustment, the skier must
provide the hirer with his or her ski profile: age, physical fitness, type of skiing, etc.
11
It was thought at the time that short skis would not make inroads into Rossignol’s niche on the ski market.
12
This is the reason why Rossignol has only recently commercialized a short ski measuring 1.18 m with release bindings.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.
Mr P. considers that fitting safety bindings on ski equipment that release in case of a fall needs to be
assessed case by case. Therefore, snowboards are not fitted with release bindings, because since both
feet are held on the same support, it was considered that the skier ran less risk of injury in case of a fall
with both feet held in non-release bindings. If snowboards were fitted with release bindings, then if
only one binding released, the foot that comes free would cause an imbalance that would lead to more
serious risks of injury for the skier.
V – THE ENQUIRY AMONG SKI HIRE AGENCIES
It was interesting to compare the arguments of the manufacturers with the opinion and the practices of
those who make the equipment available for hire to the customers and who therefore are obliged to
give them advice.
The enquiry was carried out among ski hirers based both in major towns and in ski resorts.
1.
Report of the enquiry among town-based ski hire agencies
Characteristics of the ski hire offer
Towns visited: GRENOBLE, CHAMBERY, LYON, VOIRON.
The enquiry covered two types of hirer: independent hirers and sports shop groups. The enquiry
covered 17 shop names: 15 of these hire out short skis. 2 refuse to hire short skis for the following
reasons:
-
“They are not real skis and they do not correspond to the demands of our clients who are
‘real’ skiers”. - “La Glisse”, MEYLAN;
“They are too expensive to hire and we do not have enough skis to cater for just a few
people over the season." - “Eco Sports”, CHAMBERY.
All hirers hire out SALOMON snowblades with non-release bindings. Some shops hire out other
brand names (FISCHER, QUECHUA, etc.) that are also not equipped with release bindings.
The most frequent arguments put forward to explain the type of model proposed for hire are: the
predominance of SALOMON on the short ski market; return on investment is impossible with HEAD
TYROLIA short skis (they cost twice as much to purchase and are worn out after a year because “the
short-ski clients do not take care”); ignorance of the potential risks of using short skis; ignorance of
the fact that Head also manufactures short skis. However, some shops have HEAD short skis on sale.
Some shops hire out ROSSIGNOL skis known as “Scratch“ that are 1.18 m long and certain hirers
suggest these in place of short skis.
Hire prices ranges from 8 euros to 12 euros for the skis alone, which often corresponds to a difference
of only one or two euros compared with the cost of hiring bottom-range normal skis13.
Advice given by the ski hire agencies (spontaneously or on request)
Ski hire agencies fall into two groups:
“Commercial” hirers:
They do not offer spontaneous advice, often because they do not seem to be familiar with these skis.
Sometimes, they themselves are not skiers and are unable to see the practice of short skis from a
skier’s point of view. For the ski professionals, the short ski is “a way of having fun while learning to
ski. You can ski quite quickly and on all types of snow without problems”. According to these hirers,
it is what beginners are looking for: “Be able to ski quickly without too much difficulty”.
13
Whereas they cost twice as less to purchase.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.
When these hirers are questioned about the bindings, they are not always aware of the existence of
HEAD short skis. They were asked “In your opinion, are short skis more or less dangerous than classic
skis?”. They often replied “I don’t know” or “No”. They often added that “There is no danger since
the skis are shorter therefore they act like feet”, or “They have existed for 5 years and there have never
been any problems with them”. These hirers have not received any client feedback about accidents or
at least, no more than with classic skis.
Most of the time, these hirers indicate that it is possible to use these skis everywhere (except powdery
snow), that they can go relatively fast and that it is very easy to adjust the binding. On the other hand,
a small proportion (1 in 3) knows that short skis must not be hired to children under 1.50 m, even
though the instruction is inscribed on the skis right before their eyes! 2 or 3 of this group of hirers
pointed out that they must not be hired to children. They often suggested 64 cm long skis adapted for
children. However, they did not point out any particular precautions to be taken because “these skis
are designed mainly to have fun with”.
“Experienced” hirers:
These are often experienced skiers. Some have already tried out short skis and their diagnosis is clear:
“They are not real skis. At the most, they can be used to have fun at the end of the day, like sledging."
These hirers spontaneously recommend the utmost prudence when using these skis that have nonrelease bindings. They emphasize (with proof – “client feedback, experience in the ski resorts”) that
these skis are more dangerous than classic skis. One of them summed up the situation in the following
terms: « For an equivalent fall, short skis cause much more serious lesions and after-effects”. Some
hirers who have experience as slope patrollers and who are aware of skiing accidentology reported
open fractures or knee sprains that occurred due to short skis. The major inconvenience is that the
short ski tends to stick in the snow, is unstable or does not come free, so the risk of injury is increased.
Moreover, the hirers pointed out that it is very difficult to stop with these skis, because being short,
there is less friction created to help to stop.
But the greatest danger according to these hirers comes from the users of short skis. They are often
beginners who only go skiing occasionally. With short skis, they feel readily at ease and tend to “be
reckless” (cut across the paths of other skiers; change direction suddenly, etc.). They are often the
cause of collisions on the slopes, since it is very difficult to anticipate what a person on short skis is
going to do.
One ski hire agency (Adrénaline, GRENOBLE) that hires out snowblades only hires them out as a last
recourse when the client insists on them. Otherwise, this company tries to dissuade their use. “They
shouldn’t even exist”.
All ski hire agencies point out that this type of ski is not for use in powdery snow, that it is impossible
to ski fast (it is even dangerous to ski fast, because the skis vibrate dangerously at high speeds), that it
is easy to adjust the binding and that they are not recommended for children (however, not all hirers
were aware of the minimum height, but prefer to adjust according to the client). As for the necessary
precautions, above all take care, always control speed and do not venture onto slopes where the snow
is too hard. It is better to hire 1.50 m parabolic skis to gain the same sensations in perfect safety.
Some ski hire agencies propose short classic skis instead of short skis. There are the Rossignol 1.18 m
classic skis called “Scratch” and the DYNASTAR “Twin Board” skis that measure 1.40m.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.
2.
Report of the enquiry among ski-resort-based ski hire agencies
Characteristics of the ski hire offer
Ski resorts visited: VAL D’ISERE, TIGNE, AIME LA PLAGNE, LES ANGLES, FONT ROMEU.
There are two types of shops: Independent and sport shop chains (such as TWINNER).
All shops have short skis for hire. The major part of the market is dominated by the SALOMON
snowblade (89 cm) and MINIMAX (99.9 cm), that are not fitted with safety release bindings. 5 of the
26 shops have HEAD TYROLIA “BIG EASY” skis (94 cm) on hire. these are fitted with release
bindings.
Hire prices vary from 9 € per day to 16 € per day to hire short skis without release bindings. One of
the shops charges 4 € more for HEAD TYROLIA short skis, i.e. 20 € per day instead of 16 €. The
shop justifies this by the fact that the “BIG EASY” skis cost twice as much to purchase than
snowblades.
This hire price is similar to within one or two euros to the hire price of low-range classic skis. So, as
for the town-based ski hirers, the rental of short skis is economically viable for the ski hire agencies,
since the short ski is considered as a “real” ski and therefore justifies a relatively high hire price.
Note that roughly 50% of ski hire agencies propose short skis (60cm) for children.
Advice given by ski resort-based hire agencies
As for the enquiry among town-based hirers, we can distinguish two “profiles” of hirers:
Ski hire agencies who are not well aware of the safety problems
These hirers, representing roughly 50% of the sample, did not seem to be aware of the problems with
short skis without release bindings. Some were even unaware of the fact that short skis with release
bindings exist. In general, these hirers are seasonal workers who work for major nation-wide sports
shop chains.
Spontaneous and requested advice:
Given their lack of information, these hirers do not offer any spontaneous advice. When they are asked
precise questions, they generally give the classic replies below:
Question: “Can I ski everywhere with these skis?” - Reply: “ You can ski everywhere on the groomed
slopes with them”.
Question: “Can I ski fast?” - Reply: “ You can ski relatively fast, but above a certain speed, the skis
tend to vibrate and this makes them very unstable”.
Question: “How do I adjust the binding?” - Reply:“No problem. All you need is a screwdriver”.
Question: “Are there any specific precautions to be taken?” Certain hirers ask the skier what level of
skier he/she is (beginner or not), but this is rare. With beginners, they say that it is easy and that there
is no need to be afraid. The other hirers gave no precautions.
Question: “Can I hire them for my brother of ten?” Most ski hirers know that for children under 1.50
m, there exist 64 cm long short skis. And yet two hire agencies were willing to hire them out to
children.
Question: “Are these skis more dangerous or less dangerous than classic skis?” All gave a categorical
“No”. Most ski hirers replied that, insofar as someone goes skiing, there is always a risk and
according to them short skis without safety bindings are not dangerous, even although they did not
deny that there have been accidents with short skis. Their main argument is that since these skis are
short, the skier can always manage to avoid a ski sticking and can roll up to prevent injury. Certain
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9.
even point out that it is designed especially for this and even better, the ski cannot become lost. One
hirer even emphasized that “It is prohibited to fit release bindings on skis of less than 1 m because, in
any case, there is a strap that attaches the ski to the ski boot and this prevents any risk of injury”.
These hirers have no customer feedback about accidents. And they are unaware of the statistics of the
ski patrollers or the doctors of the Association des médecins de montagne. As far as they are
concerned, snowblades and similar skis are a fun way of learning to ski, or just simply to enjoy
oneself. Most of their clients are groups of youngsters.
Ski hire agencies who are aware of the safety problems
These are often very good skiers who do not consider short skis as real skis. The give the following
spontaneous advice: “You can‘t do just anything with these skis”. So they emphasize that the skis are
not designed for the same use, in other words: No “schuss” (the skis are unstable); no risks on slopes
where the snow is in poor conditions; use turns, etc.
Almost all pointed out that the bail-type binding is not a safety binding and some spontaneously
suggested the HEAD “Big Easy” ski.
As to the advice asked for by the client, the “usual” advice is given: Question: “Are there any specific
precautions to be taken?” The hirers warn of the dangers of using skis without release bindings. In
addition, certain hirers point out that stopping is more difficult, since short skis have shorter edges that
alpine skis.
The hirers ask the client his level and with beginners, often suggest real skis of small sizes instead.
However, none of them dissuaded a client from hiring short skis.
These hirers give several explanations for short ski accidents:
-
3.
Any binding that does not release in the event of a fall will cause more serious accidents
(serious knee sprains, tibia fractures, etc.);
Clients who hire short skis use them “uncontrollably”, thus creating danger. Indeed, almost
all those who hire short skis have the same profile of “short ski hirer”: groups of
youngsters who are beginners and who either do not wish to or cannot afford to learn to
ski. On the other hand, when used reasonably, short skis present no danger.
Conclusion of the two enquiries
Regardless of whether they are town-based or resort-based, ski hire agencies fall into two categories.
Those who know and those who do not really know what short skis are and who hire them out without
any precautions.
The latter type of hirers see short skis as a fun way of learning to ski with too much effort. For them,
one descent is all it takes to master these skis. These hire agencies are either unaware of the dangers
inherent in this type of ski, or else they see them as the equivalent of classic skis. They do not give any
more advice than when hiring out normal skis and some even go as far as telling the client that there is
absolutely no risk because of the short size of these skis.
Other hire agencies are aware through different channels: ski slope patrollers, mountain doctors,
newspapers, magazines, etc. that the use of short skis is not without danger and often results, not in an
increased number of accidents, but rather in more serious injuries.
Other ski hirers absolutely refuse to consider the short ski as a snow sport and are extremely critical
about them. These hirers do their utmost to dissuade the client from hiring short skis. But they are few
in number (3 out of the 41 hire agencies interviewed).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10.
This category of hirer also includes those who do not consider the short ski as a real ski, but
understand that it can be fun and enjoyable for beginners. They are aware of the binding problem and
warn the client. However, they never refuse a potential client, especially in the ski resorts. They
suggest the use of the HEAD "Big Easy" skis that have release bindings and therefore are apparently
the safest.
But the best informed ski hire agencies emphasize that the danger factor of short skis is a combination
of three factors inherent in the system:
1) Short skis do not have release bindings and because of their short length, do not
“behave” in the same was as classic skis (they vibrate at high speeds; they take longer to
stop, etc.).
2) The clients are for the most part young and inexperienced (typically groups of
youngsters who ski one week a year and who prefer to enjoy themselves with short skis
rather than having to make the effort of learning to ski).
3) The risky behavior of these clients who feel immediately at ease and who try out short
skis in the same way as classic skis, causing collisions on the slopes.
So certain hire agencies ask the clients their level of ski in order to better advise them. They insist on a
rational, adapted use of short skis. When used correctly, they do not present a greater potential risk of
accidents that alpine skiing.
To conclude, on the basis of the sample used for the enquiry, around 60% of hire agencies are aware
of the safety problem with short skis, while 90% of them hire out these skis in any case to their clients.
Of these 90%, hardly half explain clearly the precautions to be taken.
VI - CONCLUSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT OF SHORT
SKIS
Now that the context of the practice of short skis has been described, what about the safety of the
products themselves? Below is a summary of the conclusions of the technical assessment performed
on two products, one SALOMON product and one HEAD TYROLIA product.
Top view of a “snowblade” and a “BIG EASY”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11.
Side view (to examine the two tip profiles). Shown above: the “BIG EASY”; shown below: the
“snowblade”
1.
The intrinsic technical weaknesses of short skis
Short skis present undeniable weaknesses when compared with traditional alpine skis:
-
They have a much weaker bearing surface and a more rigid tip than those of alpine skis, so
that they have an easier tendency to stick into the snow: for example, tips might dig into a
mogul; or stick suddenly when switching from one foot to another during a turn;
They are very unstable at high speeds, making falls more likely to occur;
There is very little vertical shock-absorbency since the sole of the ski boot is almost
permanently in contact with the snow;
Short skis change direction easily, which may cause falls on irregular snow surfaces;
There is very little front and rear bearing surface, so the skier needs to have a very good
balance;
There is an unsuitable (weight/size) ratio with respect to the length of the ski; short skis can
measure less than 1 m, while boot sizes can range from 32 to 50 cm;
The SALOMON snowblade is not fitted with release bindings;
Classic ski type release bindings fitted on the HEAD TYROLIA “Big Easy” require
different adjustments than those used on alpine skis.
Appendix 1 shows a typology of cases of falls causing injury to the lower limbs. Note that since no ski
sticks are used, sidewise falls among others are not a risk of injury to the legs, but more often cause
injury to the hands, elbows and shoulders as with snowboards.
2.
Aggravating factors
More than any other snow sport, certain conjunctural factors other than those inherent in the safety
aspect of these products may make those who use short skis more vulnerable to falls:
3.
The fact that most users are technically inexperienced and physically unprepared;
The condition of the snow (soft snow under a hard crust, powdery snow with surface
damage; hard snow with moguls, etc.);
High speeds;
Low relief visibility (whiteout etc.);
A false sense of ease and safety compared with traditional alpine skis, because of their
short length.
The advantage of fitting release bindings on short skis
The technical assessment came to the conclusion that fitting classic release binding on short skis is one
way of greatly reducing the risks of serious injury caused by the use of this type of ski.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12.
Front tensile test: The white strap pulls vertically on the front of a dummy ski boot to measure
the point at which a rearwise fall occurs
The rear safety binding would have to be set to a much lower setting (in other words, much less
tightly) than is set on alpine skis. This would result is more frequent pre-releasing of the ski boots, a
consequence already denounced by SALOMON and the doctors of the Association des médecins de
montagne, SALOMON’s prime concern being “passive safety” (better a light ski for ease of
movement and that limits the risk of falls), the doctors’ concern being the fact that the knee sprains
caused by alpine ski release bindings would have longer-term14 effects than leg fractures.
Now, as explained below, traumatologists and orthopedic surgeons consider that the lower limb
fractures caused by the use of short skis with non-release bindings are serious, even more serious than
knee sprains.
VII – THE ACCIDENTS STATISTICS IN FRANCE
1.
Official sources
There are two recognized national sources of ski accidentology data. One set up by the Système
national d’observation de la sécurité en montagne (National system for mountain safety monitoring,
SNOSM), the other is the Association des médecins de montagne.
a) Official accident data from the SNOSM
The SNOSM was created by an amended decree on October 16, 1984 and is governed by three
Ministries: The Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense. It collects
and analyses the data relative to mountain accidents, both in summer and in winter. For the winter
season, it registers each year all the accidents that can happen to those using skiing areas (accidents
caused by different types of skiing, regardless of whether there are injuries or not, plus avalanche
accidents). The results are published according to certain formalities. First, a steering committee
supervises the work of the SNOSM. Then the steering committee provides an “Information and Safety
Committee”15, chaired by the Director of Defense and Civil Defense, with a report for each season
14
And more costly in terms of medical care.
This committee was set up within the Conseil Supérieur des Sports de Montagne (CSSM), an entity created by the decree
of February 24, 1983 under the auspices of the Ministry of Sport. The CSSM is made up of 32 members representing, in
accordance with the actual terms used in the SNOSM report of season 2003-2004, “all public or private organisms involved
in the mountain environment”.
15
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13.
(summer/winter) and proposes the priority main lines of action required to define an accident
prevention policy.
The data provided by the SNOSM give only a partial image of the actual accidentology situation. The
mountain accident statistics are under-estimated due to the SNOSM’s methodology.
1.
2.
They do not include accidents occurring on skilifts;
They only include accidents dealt with by the emergency services. This is because the data
are acquired from the accident report forms filled in locally by the rescue services16 then
centralized by the local police services then transmitted to the SNOSM. So the data do not
include injured persons who go by their own means to a doctor or a hospital service. This
proportion is far from negligible, as shown by the statistics from the Association des
médecins de montagne below. Likewise, only instant deaths occurring before intervention
by the rescue and emergency services are included in the data. They do not include deaths
occurring after evacuation of the injured person. Finally, the system does not include
missing persons.
In order to measure the extent of the accidentology phenomenon and its evolution from one year to
another, it would be more logical to weigh the number of victims with respect to the number of those
practicing winter sports. Yet, there are no reliable shared data available to assess the number of
persons practicing winter sports. There are wide discrepancies from one source to another. To cite just
one example, the SNTF (the French skilift authority) estimates that 7.6 million persons practiced
winter sports during the 2003/2004 winter season and for the 2004/2005 season, “only” “5 million
French people will mount to the summits and 64% of these will use the 8 000 kms of slope available in
the French mountains"…»17, an assessment that figured in an invitation to a press conference
concerning the information and prevention of winter mountain accidents by the authorities. It is
obvious that to compare the 55 867 interventions performed by the rescue services recorded by the
SNOSM between December 1, 2003 and May 31, 200418 in winter sports resorts with 7.6 million
skiers or 64% of 5 million is not insignificant in measuring the extent of the accidentology
phenomenon. It is obvious that the SNOSM has opted for a statistical weighing procedure that is more
objective in comparing the number of injuries with the number of persons passing the skilift turnstiles
every year, but it has a disadvantage in that it does not allow us to draw clear conclusions as to the
actual number of winter sports accidents and above all on the considerations and means required to
attempt to rectify the increase in accidents from one year to another. So the SNOSM accident
interventions report for the season 2003 – 2004 for a panel of 52 resorts shows an intervention every
11 113 passages (for 7.6 million or less than 5 million?). A much more significant comment in the
report states that “Compared to the 2002 – 2003 season, the rescue activity increased by 1.8%. The
average increase over the last eight seasons is 5.3%”.
The SNOSM’s accidentology report points out that the season 2003 – 2004 differs from previous
seasons in that there were more rescue interventions for snowboarders and other types of snow sports
that for alpine skiing.
The term “other types of snow sports” as used by the assessors includes “all other forms of sport on
snow such as monoskis, ski-bikes, snow scooters, telemark, big foot, snowblades, etc.”.
However, unlike alpine skiing and snowboarding in particular, these other practices are not mentioned
individually in the statistics, so it is impossible to determine the accidents caused by short skis.
16
Those involved in mountain rescue differ according to the organization and/or the tradition of the ski resorts. Intervention
of one of these does not exclude the intervention of others: slope patrollers/rescuers, mountain police, the CRS police force,
the fire brigade rescue service, the voluntary fire brigade rescue service, the emergency medical service (SAMU).
17
Statistics extracted from an analysis performed by the Direction du tourisme (Tourist Department). Analysis of the
distribution of holiday destinations versus activity practiced and the environment, from October 2002 to March 2003.
18
54 deaths, including 14 for reasons other than ski injuries.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14.
So, according to the “statistics from season 2003 – 2004”, the practice of “other snow sports” was the
cause of 4 421 injuries as detailed below:
-
4 228 other than collisions
82 off-piste
93 collisions with other persons using the slopes
18 collisions with an obstacle.
The Committee cannot but recommend that when registering accidents for the season 2004 – 2005, all
types of snow sport equipment should be mentioned in the accident report forms drawn up by the
rescue services and that the national statistics should count accidents per category of equipment.
Likewise, it would be advisable to “federate” the administrative means concerned: the SNOSM, the
skiing "professionals", in particular the SNTF, and the mountain doctors, so that they provide reliable
statistics on the ski sport population.
b) The ski risk surveillance sector of the Association des médecins de montagne
The Association des médecins de montagne (AMM) has over 250 general practitioners (of a total of
350) installed in the winter sports resorts. They are specialized in traumatology and emergency
techniques.
In 1990, the AMM organized, with the support of the Medical Data Department of the Université de
Bordeaux II, a winter sports risks monitoring system.
According to Doctor L., the results of their epidemiology data obtained from observing winter sports
risks is one of the most relevant databases in the world (there are almost 350 000 cases in the database
at present) for winter sports pathologies.
How does the AMM work ? Is uses a report system. The system studies an “injury report” that
includes the list of accidents observed by the 70 doctors in their different ski resorts (52 resorts are
represented) during the winter season.
At the start of the season, forms known as “traumatology forms” and a data entry system “EPI” 2000
are updated and transmitted each year to the doctors who take part in the system. Each injury treated is
reported on a standardized computer form. This form, adopted by all the doctors, can be used to enter
data concerning the circumstances of the accident, the type of sport practiced, whether or not a rescue
service was called out, the diagnosis and the type of treatment necessary. Traumatism markers have
been defined in order to describe the lesions that are typical to each sport.
Based on this work, the Association confirms that, of the 7.6 million people who practiced winter
sports during the season 2003/2004, 150 000 injuries were treated by the mountain doctors. This is a
far cry from the 55 000 injuries reported by the SNOSM. It appears that the rescue services transfer
only around one third of all injuries noted by the AMM to the mountain doctors’ surgeries. Of the
various reasons that explain this discrepancy, we can mention the case of injured people who make
their own way to the doctor's surgery or are taken by friends or relatives and the fact that pathologies
due to causes other than trauma that occur frequently on the slopes are also recorded: sunstroke,
altitude sickness, etc.19
19
The analysis also studies the population using the ski slopes. By analysing the results, we thus can determine, year by year,
the structure and habits (number of days of winter sports practise; type of equipment, etc.) of the population exposed to risks
and the impact of the prevention campaigns on those who use the slopes. The system studies a sample population from 12
winter sports resorts in France who take part in the studies. They use either a "face-to-face" type questioning or a count at the
lower end of the skilifts. The resorts that take part were selected because of their representativity, based on the turnover, the
activity and the geographical distribution. The persons interviewed were chosen at random by the ski slope managers of the
resorts concerned. The totals are randomized at the bottom end of the skilifts in the same 12 resorts.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15.
Since short skis appeared on the market, its accidentology has been monitored by the AMM with the
support of the main French manufacture SALOMON, as mentioned above.
Of the 7.6 million20 of winter sports adepts during the season 2003/2004, 7 %21 used short skis (62.6%
skiers and 29.6 % snowboarders).
We see a high proportion of beginners and intermediates using short skis with respect to other snow
sports (76 % using short skis, 55 % using snowboards, 43 % using alpine skis)22.
Short ski accidents represent 5.5 % of the 150 000 annual winter sports accidents. The risk of
accidents with short skis is proportionally less than with alpine skis or snowboards23.
There is a very high proportion of injuries among the beginners (less than 7 days of practice): it
reaches 41.8 % (33.3 % for snowboards and 21,2 % for alpine skis). In 2003, there were 3 times as
many leg and ankle fractures and 3.5 times less torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) of the knee
with short skis than with alpine skis24.
With short skis, an old risk is making a comeback: leg fractures. So according to Dr. L., the problem is
how to measure how dangerous a sport is. What causes the most "damage" between a leg fracture, a
torn ACL or a broken wrist? According to Dr.L, a leg fracture is more serious than a torn anterior
cruciate ligament (in some cases, the victim can make his or her own way to the doctor’s surgery).
However, we see that a leg fracture heals after one year, whereas torn ligaments often require surgery
and very lengthy physiotherapy. The Committee refuse to apply a philosophy that quantifies traumas,
such as “a knee sprain is more serious than a clean leg fracture”.
Below is a list of trauma markers for short skis in 2003:
ACL 4.6 %
Knee sprains, other 23.3%
Thumb sprains 1.3%
Arm and wrist fractures 3.7 %
Other lesions 39%
Leg+ankle fractures 15.8 %
Dangerous locations 12.3%
As concerns children under 10 years of age, Dr. L. considers that we must be firm and prohibit the use
of short skis. The lower height limit of 1.50 m for using short skis is not the only criterion that needs
to be taken into consideration for children.
20
Source: SNTF (Syndicat national des téléphériques de France); results for the season 2003-2004.
Results of the study of the 2003 sample population by the winter sports epidemiology system.
22
Intermediate results from the 2004 season study by the winter sports epidemiology system.
23
The most dangerous sport is the snowboard; it causes 1.5 time more accident risks that alpine skis.
24
As a comparison, alpine skiing causes a high occurrence of serious knee sprains with torn anterior cruciate ligaments
(ACL) among adults. There are many more leg fractures and less torn ligaments among children. The percentage reaches
21% of lesions among women over 25 years of age. Snowboarding is characterized by a high occurrence of wrist fractures,
in particular among beginners who have practised the sport for less than 7 days. Thus, 50% of lesions among adolescent
snowboard beginners are wrist fractures.
21
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16.
As for short skis with release bindings, Dr. L. believes that the studies performed up to now are
insufficient. Tests have been performed25, but only in straight lines descending into a dip. It appears
that it is when skiing up out of the dip that short skis with release bindings similar to alpine skis
release accidentally. This is because, unlike alpine skis, the pressure is distributed over a smaller
surface. This problem seems to be caused by the return spring, which is not standardized.
2.
Observations made on the slopes
What about the slopes themselves? The sometimes contradictory comments from local rescue and
safety services who deal with the victims give us a more concrete view of the accidentology.
Ski instructors
The ski instructors interviewed did not report any particular safety problems with short skis. A monitor
at the MENUIRES ski school recommends that wrist protection be worn, as short skis lack "frontback" stability.
One instructor from the 2 Alpes resort reported that he is wary of those who use short skis: short skis
are very short and so the persons behind or uphill from the short-skier have no time to anticipate his
trajectory, thus creating a risk of collision. In addition, short-skiers are often adolescents who cannot
ski and cannot control either their speed or their trajectory.
Rescue patrollers
Once of the missions of the rescue patrollers is to transfer injured people from the slopes down to the
resort. They call for the help of helicopters or ambulances when needed. They also search for missing
skiers lost in off-piste areas. Each person rescued is recorded on a report along with the date and time,
the age and sex of the injured person, the type of skiing, whether or not there has been a collision, the
location of the injury on the body, the location to which the injured person is transferred, the
conditions of the snow and the weather conditions.
The rescue patrollers help all injured persons who are unable to descend by their own means, in other
words, the seriously injured.
In MEAUDRE, a small resort in the VERCORS region, the rescue patrollers have reported witnessing
”very nasty” leg fractures caused by short skis. “Young town dwellers want to be able to do jumps just
like the youngsters from the ski resorts, who train every day after school.”
In MERIBEL, the rescue patrollers have only reported injuries to thumbs and wrists, as for
snowboarders. According to local statistics, short ski accidents represent 4.47 % of the 674 rescue
missions to injured persons.
In l’ALPE d’HUEZ, the ski slope director reported that there are many accidents. As far as he is
concerned the main culprit is the consumer who confuses swimsuits with skis. “Skiing is a sport: it
must be learned and the skier must be trained”.
In SERRE-CHEVALIER, the ski patrollers are regularly called out to look for short ski users “stuck”
in deep snow. The ski slope director considers short skis as “almost scandalous”; they procure
sensations for people who do not know how to ski. The number of accidents is increasing as the
success of short skis increases: leg fractures, knee lesions, and even hip fractures.
In CHAMROUSSE, numerous accidents are reported as being caused by the fact that the bindings do
not release in the event of a fall. ”Short skis give a person the immediate impression that he/she knows
how to ski” They speed down the slopes without knowing how to ski, and often completely ignore the
basic civilities. The ski hire agencies are making a lot of money out of short skis.
25
Performed by SALOMOM within the framework of its technological watch mission.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17.
In les MENUIRES, there are few accidents, but any short ski accidents are serious: for example,
spiroid leg fractures. These accidents concern both young non-skiers and good skiers. If the ski sticks
in the snow, the leg twists and breaks. Last year, the slope safety director, Mr G., also president of the
ASDP (Association des directeurs de services des pistes, Ski slope services directors association)
addressed a letter to the federation of sports and leisure equipment manufacturers to inform them of
this problem. There was no reply.
One ski resort doctor
From CHAMROUSSE, a member of the Association des médecins de montagne, reported that short
skis mainly cause fractures of the tibia and the fibula. These fractures are as numerous, but less serious
than knee sprains caused by alpine skiing. Short ski users are mainly “young and wild” and want to
feel strong sensations right away. CHAMROUSSE is a regional urban resort frequented by the
residents of the nearby towns of Lyon or Valence. So there is a greater proportion of short skis than in
other resorts.
He thinks that the HEAD TYROLIA short skis with release bindings are more serious, but are seldom
used. He has never heard of accidents with these short skis. According to this doctor, the real safety
problem when skiing is the knee CLA, caused when classic safety bindings do not release together. In
his opinion, that is the real challenge in safety matters.
Emergency doctors
The emergency doctors from the hospitals in BRIANÇON, MOUTIERS and BOURG ST MAURICE
are unanimous: They treat leg fractures caused by the use of short skis every day. “The victims are
often young people between 15 and 25 who have little or no ski experience. This is a population who
takes risks. Short skis are too easy, so the skiers are unaware of the risks and the seriousness of the
injuries is extremely worrying.”
The worst fractures are serious plurifragmentary spiroid fractures that had not been seen for 20 years
(hence at a time when alpine skis were not fitted with release bindings) and are making a comeback
with the use of short skis since their bindings do not release in the event of a fall, causing the leg to
"twist round like a propeller".
Orthopedic surgeons
It is important to point out that orthopedic surgeons took the time to cooperate actively in our enquiry
to give their opinion about a problem that they consider to be serious and not yet taken into account.
At the BRIANÇON hospital, Dr. D. describes shorts skis as a “fun weapon”. It causes a particular
pathology known as spiroid leg fractures with consequences that are complex to treat. According to
Dr. D., with short skis, “fractures seem to be a lot more fragmentary and cause complications that
involve the musculo-apeneurotic tissues surrounding the bone, causing vascular injuries”. This type
of fracture can lead to a work layoff of between 6 months and one year and a total temporary
incapacity far longer than a month. Dr. D. advises his patients to report their accidents to the
manufacturer at least. He has written to his orthopedist colleagues to warn them of this situation, in
particular Dr. S. in Grenoble.
At the BOURG SAINT MAURICE hospital, Dr. F. reported an increase in short ski accidents from
year to year. They mainly involve beginners and a few good skiers who use them “to have fun”. The
accident factors are always the absence of release bindings, the absence of stability and the possibility
of skiing fast.
In Grenoble, Professor S. is head of the orthopedic surgery and traumatology service. From the year
2000 onwards, he reported the dangers of short skis by informing the French sport traumatology
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18.
society of this situation. He does not agree with the interpretation of the accident statistics from the
Association des médecins de montagne. He supervised a medical thesis on the subject of Snowblade
accidents. This consisted of a retrospective epidemiology study of 109 accidents (from January 1998
to March 2003). The thesis was supported in June 2000 by S.M.
This thesis gives a complete, detailed description of short ski traumatology and the mechanisms
through which the accidents occur.
Thus, it appears that:
- lesions are classified as ‘serious’ in 60% of cases;
- leg fractures represent 53% of lesions caused by short skis;
- over half of the accidents occur on the first day of using short skis.
VIII – REGULATIONS AND STANDARDIZATION
What about regulations and standardization?
European legislation:
The Directive on general product safety
As for any other product, short skis are governed at European level by Directive 2001/95/EC of the
European Parliament and Council of December 3, 2001 relative to general product safety. This is
applicable in France since 2004.
By using the concept of “safe product”, the Directive stipulates that the safety of the consumer must
not be endangered by putting a product on the market. Indeed, as stipulated in Article 3 of the
Directive “Producers shall be obliged to place safe products on the market26.
A product shall be deemed safe, as far as the aspects covered by the relevant national legislation are
concerned, when, in the absence of specific Community provisions governing the safety of the product
in question, it conforms to the specific rules of national law of the Member State in whose territory the
product is marketed, such rules being drawn up in conformity with the Treaty, and in particular
Articles 28 and 30 thereof, and laying down the health and safety requirements which the product
must satisfy in order to be marketed”.
We understand that it can be difficult to apply the above principles to an innovatory product, since we
cannot guarantee its safety at the moment is it put on the market. SALOMON performed “field tests”
to attempt to demonstrate that their product is “safe”. However, we see that after a few years,
SALOMON is tending towards fitting short skis with release bindings.
In all cases, those who cause the risk must assume the consequences. Thus, Article 5 specifies the
mandatory information to be given to consumers by the manufacturers and the distributors.
26
According to Article 2, a safe product “shall mean any product which, under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions
of use including duration and, where applicable, putting into service, installation and maintenance requirements, does not
present any risk or only the minimum risks compatible with the product's use, considered to be acceptable and consistent
with a high level of protection for the safety and health of persons, taking into account the following points in particular:
(i) the characteristics of the product, including its composition, packaging, instructions for assembly and, where applicable,
for installation and maintenance;
(ii) the effect on other products, where it is reasonably foreseeable that it will be used with other products;
(iii) the presentation of the product, the labelling, any warnings and instructions for its use and disposal and any other
indication or information regarding the product;
(iv) the categories of consumers at risk when using the product, in particular children and the elderly.
The feasibility of obtaining higher levels of safety or the availability of other products presenting a lesser degree of risk shall
not constitute grounds for considering a product to be ‘dangerous’; (…)”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19.
“Article 5
1. Within the limits of their respective activities, producers shall provide consumers with the
relevant information to enable them to assess the risks inherent in a product throughout the normal
or reasonably foreseeable period of its use, where such risks are not immediately obvious without
adequate warnings, and to take precautions against those risks.
The presence of warnings does not exempt any person from compliance with the other
requirements laid down in this Directive.
Within the limits of their respective activities, producers shall adopt measures commensurate with
the characteristics of the products which they supply, enabling them to:
(a) be informed of risks which these products might pose;
(b) choose to take appropriate action including, if necessary to avoid these risks, withdrawal
from the market, adequately and effectively warning consumers or recall from consumers
(…).”
French legislation
General safety obligation
Article L. 221-1 of the Consumer Code, which is previous to the directive mentioned above, also
stipulates a general safety obligation in more concise terms: “Products and services must, under
normal conditions of use or under other circumstances that may reasonably be foreseen by the
professional, offer the safety that can legitimately be expected and must not be a danger to public
health”. This therefore applies to all products, both products covered by regulations and/or covered by
a standard.
Apart from these general texts, there is no specific French or European regulation nor standard
concerning short skis. However, one French standard, NF ISO 8364 of December 1999 “Alpine skis
and bindings. Point of installation of bindings. Strength requirements and test methods”, for voluntary
application, gives indications on the dimensions of the area on the ski where the binding is to be fitted,
sets out the essential requirements and prescribes the test conditions aimed at ensuring the
compatibility of the mounted assembly “ski/binding/ski brakes/boots”. This document applies to
alpine skis of 750 mm or longer. Now, alpine skis of lengths between 750 mm and 1000 mm are the
same size as short skis. The enquiry carried out for the CSC revealed that all it would take would be a
simple agreement between the German laboratory TÜV in Munich and the ski manufacturers to fit
suitable release bindings on all skis more than 1 m long. In all cases, it seems essential to adapt this
standard to the specificities of short skis.
One standard covers the hire of winter sports equipment: NF X 50-007. Ski hire agencies that apply
this standard27 undertake to improve the service provided for the clients who hire ski equipment of all
types. Approved in July 2000, in other words, only three years after the launching of short skis on the
French market, the standard was intended to define the rules of good practice applicable only to the
hire of alpine skis and snowboards, which at the time represented most of the snow equipment ski hire
activity. But we can no longer ignore the fact that in 2005, short skis are used by 7% of winter sports
adepts. In order to guarantee a good quality service, the standard covers requirements on three points:
The training of the ski hire staff, the suitability of the type of ski hired to the skier’s level, the
application of rules covering the basic service life, adjustment and maintenance of the equipment. This
document will only deal with the first two points, that have a direct effect on the advice given when
choosing skis and good short ski practice.
27
Without prejudice to any contractual obligations between the ski hire agency and the manufacturer concerning the
equipment hire conditions, but these do not exempt the ski hire agency from applying the recommendations of the standard.
A poster or visible marking must inform the client that the ski hire agency complies with this standard.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
20.
Training of ski hire personnel
Aware that there should be no amateurism either in town-based or resort-based shops, the
standardization powers have created a qualification known as "technical advisor".
Each shop must have at least one technical advisor, also known as “skiman”, who has four
missions/competences:
-
inform the clients about the equipment;
advise them in choosing equipment that is suitable for them;
maintain the equipment, including hygiene;
adjust the equipment.
We can see that the obligation to inform the client about the equipment would have a particular
advantage in the choice or not of opting for short skis and the advice given for correct use (for
example, not to be used in powdery snow, etc.).
To become a technical advisor, it is necessary to meet one of the conditions below:
-
-
have a professional certificate from the European association for the promotion of sports
professions (EVM);
have followed a training course either at the National sports professions centre (CNPC) or
within an in-house training school of a chain of shops and justify at least four months
experience during which the trainee has exercised the four abovementioned
missions/competences;
justify at least 16 months professional experience of the abovementioned
missions/competences.
Categories of ski adapted to the skier’s “profile”
An adult skiers classification has been drawn up based on the same principle as for classifying ski
slopes. Thus, a “green adult” would be offered “bottom range” or “initiation” equipment. A “black
adult” would be offered top-of-range equipment.
Classification of children is based on age and not the level of ski because of the specifities of the
equipment that can be proposed. Two age groups are defined: Under six and under 12 years of age.
These classifications cannot be transposed as they are to apply to short skis and need to be adapted
depending on whether the short ski has a release binding (an option that does not exist for alpine skis
or snowboards) and the child's size, which for short skis “transcends” the distinction that the standard
makes between children and adults (for example, short skis are not advised for adults under 1.50 m).
After having heard in a session:
-
Mrs R., representing the USITO company;
Mrs L. and Mr D., representing the SALOMON company;
Mr G., representing the FIFAS association;
Mr L., applicant.
ISSUES THE FOLLOWING OPINION:
Whereas, according to the data provided by the Association des médecins de montagne, of 7.6 million
persons practicing winter sports during the winter season 2003/2004, 7% used short skis, with short
ski injuries representing 5.5% of the 150 000 injuries from one winter sports season;
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21.
Whereas, according to the statistics from the SNOSM for the same season, the rescue services were
called out to the slopes and off-piste areas to rescue more than 4 300 persons using other types of
equipment than alpine skis and snowboards, a large majority of which, of a total of 55 000 call-outs,
used short skis;
Whereas the information given above is subject to caution in view of the incompleteness of the
official statistics both on the actual number of persons practicing winter sports and on the respective
proportion of different winter sports equipment noted in the accident reports;
Whereas, according to the information acquired from the Association des médecins de montagne and
on-site from rescue services, ski instructors, ski hire agencies and hospital services, it is obvious that
the proportion of beginners injured when using short skis is greater than for persons using alpine skis
and snowboards;
Whereas, according to the Association des médecins de montagne, the risk of accidents with short skis
is lower than with alpine skis or snowboards, the information acquired from orthopedic surgeons and
traumatologists nevertheless shows that the use of short skis is characterized by the frequency of
serious or very serious fractures of the lower limbs (plurifragmentary spiroid fractures) that can be
attributed to the fact that short skis are not fitted with release bindings, so that the feet remain
“trapped” in the event of a fall;
Whereas one of the main short ski manufacturers for children has informed the Committee that he
intends to stop selling this type of product;
Whereas no standard prohibits the fitting of skis less than 1 m long with release bindings and
therefore standard NF ISO 8364 of December 1999 that sets out the requirements concerning the
strength of alpine ski bindings, in particular for skis of between 750 mm and 1000 m, should be
amended to take account of the specificities of short skis;
Whereas, according to the specialists, classic alpine ski bindings are not perfectly adapted to the type
of falls that occur when using short skis;
Whereas the CSC cannot but strongly encourage short ski manufacturers to design and fit systems
that are better adapted to safety requirements and notably, given the present state of the art, release
bindings adapted to the morphology and practice of short skis;
Whereas the recommendation that the use of short skis is unsuitable for persons under 1.50 m in
height, and particularly children, should be printed indelibly on the products in order to more easily
inform both hire agencies and consumers;
Whereas those using short skis (7%), in particular beginners, cannot learn or perfect short ski
techniques (shorts skis fitted with release bindings) due to the lack of collective courses in most ski
schools;
Whereas around 50% of ski equipment hire agencies in major cities or in ski resorts do not give
adequate, relevant information in particular to beginners on the particularities and the risks of using
short skis;
Whereas French standard NF X 50-007 relative to the hiring of winter sports equipment does not
include requirements relative to short skis and therefore an effort must be made to promote this among
ski hire agencies.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
22.
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS:
To the public authorities
-
As regards ski accident data acquisition, to publish reliable, acknowledged statistical data
about the number of persons practicing winter sports. The number of passages at the aerial
skilifts is interesting data, but is only partial;
To distinguish the accidentology proportion of each of the “other” forms of winter sports,
jointly with the Association des médecins de montagne;
To publish documents on the prevention of risks in mountain areas giving information
about the recommendations to be respected when using short skis and the need for ski hire
agencies to comply with the recommendations of French standard NF X 50-007;
To inform the skiers, especially beginners, of the risks of using short skis not fitted with
release bindings.
To the French Association for Standardization (AFNOR)
-
To work jointly with the manufacturers, the professional federations and the competent
laboratories in order to request:
. That the ISO committee concerned (ISO/TC 83/SC3 ”Ski bindings”) should amend
standard NF ISO 8364 of December 1999 relative to the strength requirements of
alpine ski bindings, in order to standardize short skis hereforth;
. that standard NF X 50-007 relative to the hire of winter sports equipment should be
amended to specify the services and advice that should be given by ski hire agencies
to the clients who wish to hire short skis.
To equipment manufacturers
-
To carry out more research in order to propose as quickly as possible to those who use the
ski slopes, short ski bindings that ensure more safety and in particular, given the present
state of the art, release bindings adapted to the specifities of short skis;
To inscribe visible, legible, indelible information on short skis intended for adults (for
example pictograms could be used) to warn skiers that this type of equipment is unsuitable
for persons less than 1.50 m in height.
To ski school directors
-
To organize collective short ski courses (using short skis fitted with release bindings) such
as exist already for alpine skiing and snowboarding.
To equipment hire agencies
-
To tefuse to hire short skis to persons under 1.50 m in height, especially children;
To respect the recommendations of standard NF XP 50-007 relative to the hiring of winter
sports equipment and give fair information to the clients, in particular beginners or
inexperienced skiers on the correct use of short skis.
To persons who wish to use short skis
The CSC cannot but express the utmost reservations on the use of short ski with non-release
bindings – both for adults and for children – particularly for beginners or inexperienced skiers.
-
In all cases, to persons less than 1.50 m in height (children in particular), not to use short
skis intended for adults;
To be trained in the use of short skis before adventuring onto the slopes;
To always control their speed and not to venture into deep snow;
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
23.
Finally, in general, the Committee cannot but emphasize the need for correct physical preparation
before practicing winter sports, especially for those who practice occasionally, town-dwellers or
persons who have little exercise who find themselves having to cope with the sometimes difficult
conditions encountered in a mountain environment. The technical enhancement of this equipment and
its "fun" reputation must never mask the fact the winter sports are very demanding physically.
Adaptation to the cold, warming-up before starting, a balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, rest and
recovery are the essential prerequisites to avoid accidents.
ADOPTED AT THE SESSION OF FEBRUARY 10, 2005
ON THE BASIS OF THE REPORT BY JEAN-PIERRE STEPHAN
Assisted by Odile FINKELSTEIN and Patrick MESNARD, Commission Technical Advisors
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
24.

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