JOSHUA TURNER
5th Medical Brigade
Birmingham, Alabama

Snowboarding is a great way to have fun but, at the same time, it can also present some real dangers such as blown knees and head injuries. For some, snowboarding involves speeding down steep hills past skiers, boarders and other obstacles. Falls will happen — no matter how good you are — and collisions are relatively common. Regardless your skill level, taking the time to prepare before heading out will reduce your chances of becoming an accident statistic.

The skier and snowboarder safety code, which is printed on virtually every lift ticket and posted in numerous places around most ski areas, lists some inherent dangers and risks. They include existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots, rocks, stumps, trees; collisions with natural or manmade objects or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities. Winter weather, especially in mountainous terrain, can range from sunny and bright to bitterly cold. Conditions can change rapidly from one extreme to the next, one slope to the other, so it’s important to monitor the conditions constantly and recognize the signs of approaching bad weather.

When boarders head up mountains or steep hills, they become susceptible to acute mountain sickness, which occurs when a person’s body doesn’t adapt to its current altitude. The most frequent symptoms include headache, queasiness, tiredness and trouble sleeping. Following these simple guidelines from the Colorado Altitude Research Institute may minimize symptoms of AMS:

• Exercise in moderation.

• Drink more water than usual. When you combine altitude with physical exertion, you need to drink before you get thirsty.

• Eat food high in carbohydrates — such as grains, pasta, fruits and vegetables — and avoid salty foods.

• Limit alcohol consumption. It's tempting to party the evening you roll into a ski town. However, drinking alcohol and cheating yourself on sleep the night before you ski is a big mistake. Use common sense.

• If your symptoms get worse or do not go away after a day or two at altitude, you need to seek medical help. All medical centers in high-altitude communities are used to dealing with these symptoms.

Before you venture out to the slopes, it's important to have the right gear and know how to use it. Here's a list of gear you’ll need each time you head up the mountain:

• Snowboard. In general, an all-mountain snowboard is the best bet for beginners, rather than a specialty board, which is harder to turn and balance on. Also, the longer a board is, the more difficult it will be to control. Choose a board that is the right length for your size and snowboarding ability.

• Boots. As the connecting point to your snowboard, boots are a vital piece of equipment. Make sure to get real snowboard boots (not moonboots or hiking boots) that fit correctly to keep your feet comfortable and warm. For most beginner snowboarders, soft snowboard boots are easier to control than hard boots. Always keep your boots laced tight to give your feet and ankles the support they need.

• Bindings. Most snowboard bindings are of the strap-on variety, which are compatible with the greatest number of boots. Be sure to keep your straps securely fastened to give you the most control over your snowboard. Some bindings, though, are step-in types. Make sure you get the right bindings for your boots, and have a trained professional at a snowboard shop adjust the angle of your bindings to put your feet in the right positions.

• Helmet. As is the case with many sports, a helmet is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to preventing life-threatening injuries. You should wear one any time you go boarding. Get a helmet that fits properly and keep the chin strap fastened to keep it securely in place. Also, make sure to get a real snowboard helmet (not a football or bike helmet) that allows space for your goggles and ventilation on warm days.

• Goggles and sunglasses. The sun's rays are considerably stronger at high altitudes than at sea level; and when they bounce off the gleaming white snow, they can be a serious threat to your eyes. Sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes from the sun's rays, but you should also always bring a pair of goggles that are the right size in case it gets cold or begins to snow. Goggles are also better at protecting your eyes from tree branches and other hazards.

• Gloves or mittens. Many snowboard gloves include pockets for hand warmers to keep your fingers nice and toasty. If you're still worried about your hands getting cold, however, it's a good idea to wear mittens, which are generally warmer than gloves.

• Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (tops and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes to help prevent heat loss through your head.

• Wrist guards. When you first learn how to snowboard, you will spend a lot of time falling forward and breaking your fall with your hands. This can lead to broken wrists and forearms, which are very common snowboarding injuries. Be sure to wear rigid wrist guards designed for snowboarding or in-line skating to protect yourself when you fall.

Once you have your gear, it’s time to head out, right? Not quite. Here are a few more tips you’ll need to consider before you strap into your board:

• Make sure you’re in shape beforehand. Don’t try to ski yourself into shape.

• When buying skiwear, stick with fabrics that are water and wind resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and aid in keeping the wind out.

• Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days.

Snowboarding is a high-speed extreme sport that exposes individuals to different levels of danger. Each year, snowboarders are seriously injured and some even die due to human errors. Before you attempt snowboarding, have some basic knowledge of the possible risks you may encounter on or off the slope. The little time spent assessing the risks can save a whole lot of time healing or, worse, your family from grieving.