Skiing lacerations. Preventability by the use of ski brakes

Analysis of all ski injuries recorded at Vail, Colo, during the 1973-1974 season showed that 178 injuries occurred in which the skier was lacerated by his own ski. This represented approximately one out of every ten ski injuries--a ratio that remained constant during the six seasons from 1972 through 1978. Frequently these lacerations occurred about the head and face and were cosmetically serious in nature. It is believed that such injuries are largely preventable. The use of ski brakes as an alternative to runaway straps could appreciably lower the incidence of these injuries.