[The ski accident in the last 15 years. Correlations with equipment]

In the region of Davos/Klosters an extensive epidemiological study has been performed on winter sports-accidents, especially from alpine skiing during the last 15 years. The ski-accidents have been related to the skiers activity, measured by the kilometers of altitude (vertical drop) in downhill-skiing. The injuries are still mainly located on the extremities, fractures of the lower leg have significantly decreased but serious ligamentous injuries of the knee have replaced them in high numbers. The severity of the injuries has been evaluated considering multiple factors and a decrease could be noted. Permanent disability does occur but fortunately only rarely. The incidence of ski-accidents as well as the high costs of treatment highly demand continuation of research activities for the benefit of the safety of the skiers.