[The weather and skiing accidents (author's transl)]

During the winter of 1974/75, 528 skiing accidents in the Davos area were investigated in connection the weather influences. It was found that during high pressure conditions the accident rate increased and was very low under low pressure conditions. This result is explained by high pressure conditions often inducing the skier to more daring modes of skiing. Consequently the fine weather influences the accident risk to skiers through mental stimulation. The low accident rate in low pressure conditions can be explained insofar as in bad weather only advanced skier dare to go on the ski-run and the danger-prone beginners stay at home. In addition most skiers are conscious of the risk in unpleasant weather and ski correspondingly carefully. The accident rate decreased from the beginning to the end of the 1974/75 season.