Big drop in number of snow injuries
ACC has spent $23.5 million on skiing and snowboarding injuries in
2019, but the number of claims is down 17 per cent on the year before.
Operators say well managed risk areas and ongoing injuryprevention education are behind the decline.
ACC statistics show 13,179 claims were made by the end of October
2019 for skiing and snowboarding injuries, down 17 per cent on 2018 (when 15,854 claims were made).
It is the lowest number of such claims for five years, although it is expected more will be made before the end of the year.
Reduced numbers at most skifields after last year’s record season were partly responsible for the drop, but an industry-wide focus on reducing injuries had played a big part, managers said.
NZSki manager Paul Anderson, who is responsible for The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt
Hutt ski fields, said about 1.5 to two skiers in every 1000 suffered injuries this year. In the past the injury rate had been as high as three per thousand.
‘‘It is a significant reduction. We are pretty happy with that,’’ he said.
The company was widening and adjusting trail routes, particularly where trails merged, and had staff present at trouble areas.
‘‘I do think we’re getting better at managing those hot spots.’’
There had been two deaths at Coronet Peak this year. One was a medical event and the other a ‘‘tragic accident" involving former ski instructor Anita Graf, Anderson said.
Overall the season was the second busiest the company had experienced after last year’s record season.
‘‘Last year we grew 19 per cent. It wasn’t unexpected that it would come off that exceptional year especially when we had that very lean start,’’ Anderson said.
Cardrona manager Bridget Legnavsky said the rate of injuries in 2019 was consistent with previous years.
About 40 per cent of the claims made to ACC this year were made in Otago.
The Manawatu-Whanganui region was responsible for 12 per cent (similar to last year) and Canterbury 14 per cent (up from 13 per cent in 2018).
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts chief executive Jono Dean said visitor numbers dropped by about 30,000 at Turoa this year as the area experienced its second warmest July on record.
There were also fewer injuries, which he said was likely due to the reduced number of visitors and greater awareness about safety.