Impact of super sidecut skis on the epidemiology of skiing injuries

Concerns about whether a new type of ski--the super sidecut or carving ski--has the potential to significantly alter the incidence and type of skiing injuries have arisen in the past two years. These skis have become extremely popular during the past ski season. A case control study of skiing injuries done in a serial fashion at a Northern Vermont ski area since 1972 offers the potential to monitor changes in skiing injuries as these skis increase in popularity. Only during the last ski season have a significant number of skiers in our study (approximately 18% of all) utilized these skis. Our data reveals that skiing injuries associated with super sidecut skis occurred at a higher rate than expected in comparison to conventional skis. We also have observed that expert skiers using super sidecut skis apparently have higher than the expected incidence of ski injuries. It is hoped that in another season or two of continued study that stronger statements can be made and that the preliminary trends we have observed can be confirmed or refuted.