Injury Prevention Work in ALF
Although the extent and risk of injuries in alpine ski resorts are very low, accidents are no less tragic for those affected. Every accident is therefore one too many. This is the fundamental basis for our work on ski safety.

Safety During Uplift
When it comes to uplift (lift transport), the Norwegian Railway Authority (SJT) supervises Norwegian cableways.

Safety on the Slopes
When it comes to downhill skiing, the ski resort has a responsibility to ensure that guests can descend safely and avoid injury. However, it is important to emphasize that the skier also has a responsibility to avoid harming themselves or others by adapting their skiing according to the 10 International FIS Rules. ALF’s alpine code of conduct is based on these and was most recently revised in 2016.
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) is the supervisory authority and follows up on the ski resorts’ work.

Causes of Injuries and Preventive Measures
Our injury studies show that the majority of injuries are caused by the skier themselves.

Most accidents are related to self-inflicted falls. The causes include faulty equipment, insufficient skills, inadequate physical condition, and not least a clear disregard for the 10 Alpine Responsibility Code rules.
Injury statistics show that only a small percentage of injuries are caused by collisions with objects—an injury cause where the resort may be involved in discussions regarding contributing factors.

Based on the above, ALF divides its injury prevention work into two main areas:

• Attitude-shaping measures aimed at the public to address the primary causes of injuries
• Measures aimed at the ski resorts to make them even safer

Attitude-Shaping Measures Toward the Public

Free Helmet Rental
Results from studies in Hemsedal indicate that a large proportion of head injuries could have been avoided or reduced in severity by wearing a helmet.

In cooperation with Gjensidige, ALF has distributed many thousands of helmets for free rental in Norwegian ski resorts. This amounts to several hundred thousand “helmet days.” We also know that other insurance companies contribute positively to this work, and most resorts have also purchased helmets themselves. In several resorts, children under the age of 7 ski for free when wearing a helmet.

Our studies show that 85% of skiers wear a helmet.

Skiing Conduct in Alpine Slopes
Another important preventive measure is information about and enforcement of the 10 International Rules of Conduct for Skiers. If these rules were followed, the number of injuries could be significantly reduced.

The Alpine Responsibility Code also provides ski patrols with the best basis for effective supervision on the slopes. ALF has developed its own safety signage for terrain parks.

We have also recommended that our members ensure that snowboarders use a proper safety leash. The leash must be attached to the knee and long enough to keep the board secured to the body during carrying/transport.

Measures Directed at Ski Resorts

Safety Plan
In 1992, ALF developed a template for a Safety Plan in alpine resorts as an important tool for injury prevention. The Safety Plan includes a map of all slopes, allowing injuries to be registered according to where they occurred. This provides a solid basis for implementing preventive measures based on location, frequency, and type of injuries.

Additionally, all safety measures must be marked on a corresponding map.
We use every opportunity to remind member companies of the importance of having their own Safety Plan.

Responsibility and Safety on the Slopes
ALF has developed a publication titled “Responsibility and Safety on the Slopes.” The booklet addresses both the skier’s and the resort owner’s responsibilities in marked slopes. It also outlines the safety measures required of the resort owner in both marked slopes and off-piste areas.

Internal Control System for Slopes
ALF has developed an internal control system for slopes, with continuous risk assessment as the basis for preventive measures.

Safety in Training and Competitions
ALF has developed a publication to improve safety in this area. It covers both the responsibilities of the resort owner and the coach/event organizer, as well as the measures required to prevent accidents and injuries.

Ski Patrol Training
For several years, ALF has conducted training courses for ski patrol personnel. The responsibilities of ski patrols include both handling and preventing injuries. The latter has become an increasingly important part of their work.

The ski patrol training program has been strengthened through expanded course content. The course also covers safety measures such as protection, marking, and padding, which are essential elements of the resort’s safety work.

Avalanche Rescue Plan
Because time is critical in saving lives, it is of great importance that resorts initiate a coarse search as quickly as possible while waiting for additional rescue personnel. Based on course experience, ALF has developed a proposal for the content of an avalanche rescue plan.

Responsibility in Off-Piste Skiing
Liability issues related to off-piste skiing are further addressed by ALF in the publication “Responsibility and Safety on the Slopes.”

Avalanche Warning System
In cooperation with NVE, a system for avalanche warnings (danger level scale for snow avalanches) has been developed.

Technical Training
ALF has developed written inspection and maintenance routines for lift operations to ensure proper follow-up of inspection and maintenance work.

ALF organizes annual operations manager courses and training programs for operators of grooming machines. SJT is responsible for the operations manager certification exam.

Recommended Safety Guidelines
ALF members have access to recommended guidelines, internal control systems, and safety management manuals to operate in accordance with industry standards and current regulations.

Safety Committee
ALF has its own Ski Safety Committee, which continuously works on issues related to ski safety in alpine resorts.

CONCLUSION
The purpose of injury prevention work is to reduce the number of accidents. We have a clear moral responsibility to prevent human suffering, while safe and secure resorts are the best means of increasing demand for alpine skiing.

The foundation of alpine skiing is speed, excitement, and challenges at different levels. Alpine skiing is therefore always associated with a certain level of risk. Since it is impossible to eliminate all risk without removing the very essence of the sport, a certain level of risk must be accepted.

The person best positioned to control this risk is the skier themselves. However, they must be educated to take responsibility for their skiing, both for their own safety and for others. Neither the industry’s preventive measures nor new forms of rules and control alone will be sufficient to prevent injuries in alpine ski areas in the future.