Fatal injuries in children during recreational skiing: two case reports and multidisciplinary context

Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding rank among the most popular recreational activities in developed countries, yet they also represent a  significant source of traumatic injuries, including fatal cases. The combination of high speeds, altered stability, hard surfaces, the movement of other participants, and the presence of mechanized equipment on slopes creates a  high-risk environment for injuries. Despite technological advancements in protective gear, the incidence of severe injuries remains alarmingly high, with head and spinal injuries predominating in terms of severity. The article analyzes two case reports of fatal injuries in minor individuals (aged 8 and 9) during recreational skiing. Although the injury mechanisms differed, both cases share a common factor - non-adherence to the principles of safe conduct on ski slopes. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous education, the individual responsibility of each slope participant, the selection of appropriate safety equipment, and adherence to safe conduct rules. A multidisciplinary analysis of these tragic events underscores the need for intensive prevention, interdisciplinary cooperation, and awareness-raising activities aimed at minimizing risks not only in children's but also in adult skiing.