Two fatal accidents in a few days. Before the death of actor Gaspard Ulliel on Wednesday following an accident on a slope in the La Rosière ski area (Savoie), a five-year-old girl died on January 15 following being hit by a skier in Flaine ( Haute-Savoie). For the Olympic downhill champion, Antoine Dénériaz, skiing “is not more dangerous than any other activity, but for that you have to respect certain rules”. Here are his four basic tips for making the most of the joys of the snow.
Choose quality material
“To be safe, you need quality equipment and adapt to everyone’s level,” recalls Antoine Dénériaz. To do this, all you have to do is rent your equipment in a specialized shop. If you already have your own skis, it is strongly recommended to have them adjusted by professionals. Its very important. Adapted skis are synonymous with safety. »
To wear a helmet
“Even if it is not compulsory, wearing a helmet is essential to protect yourself and others. It has to be the right size. If this is not the case, it is possible to go to a professional who can settle it. »
Learn the basics
“It’s a phenomenon that I have noticed for some time on the slopes. There is a concern for the training of skiers. From now on, some as soon as they have skis, they believe that everything is permitted. For beginners, it is very important to take lessons with professionals to be trained in the basics. »
Know how to adapt your speed
“That’s perhaps the most important thing: you absolutely have to regulate your speed. Skiing is not a solitary sport, there is an environment to take into account. When I see some go all the way down, it’s really unconscious and very dangerous! Today, the slopes are true groomed boulevards. But you always have to tell yourself that the person in front of you can make a sudden movement. If so, you have to have time to get away. A good distance and an appropriate speed: the key to avoiding incidents on the slopes. »
