In the Kainuu region, the Vuokatti ski resort is the most popular place to hit the slopes, attracting around 140,000 winter holidaymakers throughout the season. Accidents are actually relatively rare, however they can result in some nasty injuries.
According to the Finnish Ski Area Association (SHKY), a large proportion of skiing accidents are due to people going faster than their skills allow. Falls that involve injury to knees or wrists are the most typical type of accident.
Those twenty years old and below are the most accident prone, according to Vuokatti ski centre's sports director, Lauri Suutarinen. He says it is advisable to realistically measure your own skills before attempting the more challenging slopes or stunt skiing areas.
"It's also good to know your equipment and to wear a helmet,” advises Suutarinen, emphasising the importance of on-slope safety, including knowing where safety zones are before hitting the hill.
Ski safe
The popularity of Vuokatti’s ski schools has apparently grown, which is good news for safer skiing.
"Teaching is offered in both skiing and snowboarding,” says Suutarinen. "If you want to get to know kickers (ski jumps) and other stunt spots it’s also possible to learn about these in the classes.”
In the Kainuu region, the Ukkohalla ski resort bore witness to forty accidents last season, while the Paljakka resort recorded only twenty serious slopeside smashes.
