{"id":35646,"date":"2020-11-03T14:22:31","date_gmt":"2020-11-03T21:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=35646"},"modified":"2024-05-13T09:53:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T15:53:47","slug":"is-it-safe-to-ski-during-the-covid-19-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/is-it-safe-to-ski-during-the-covid-19-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to ski during the COVID-19 pandemic?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A
Dr. Laura Sehnert, chief medical officer and an emergency medicine physician at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, enjoys a powder day at Steamboat Resort in 2018. By taking the proper precautions this year, it is safe to ski during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Dr. Laura Sehnert.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While COVID-19 has thrown considerable uncertainty into 2020, one thing remains certain. Snow will soon cover the Colorado mountains, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to click into skis or strap on a snowboard.<\/p>\n

Laura Sehnert is an avid skier and plans to ski this winter with her family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up skiing in Colorado and love that we have the opportunity to do so with our children,\u201d said Sehnert, chief medical officer and an emergency medicine physician<\/a> at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center<\/a>, located less than a mile from the base of Steamboat Resort<\/a> in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.<\/p>\n

But wait \u2013 is it safe to ski during the COVID-19 pandemic?<\/p>\n

\u201cSkiing is an outdoor activity, many people already wear a mask, there\u2019s space between people, and there\u2019s no prolonged contact with others on the slopes. All of these are good things and fall in line with current public health precautions,\u201d said Lauren Bryan, a registered nurse and infection preventionist at Yampa Valley Medical Center. \u201cFor me, because I have family in my household who are at higher risk, I\u2019m choosing to cross-country ski to really limit my contact with others.\u201d<\/p>\n

By taking the proper precautions before traveling and while on the mountain, you can enjoy the sport, reconnect with the great outdoors and keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy, too.<\/p>\n

Before you go<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you haven\u2019t already gotten a flu shot, put that at the top of your pre-vacation to-do list.<\/p>\n

\"A
Lauren Bryan and her dog, Ruby, enjoy a cross country ski tour near the Devil’s Thumb outside Winter Park. Cross-country skiing is a safe way to ski during the COVID-19 pandemic because you have more control over physical distancing. Photo courtesy of Lauren Bryan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIt takes two weeks for the vaccine to kick in and for your body to start to build immunity,\u201d said Bryan. \u201cA flu shot is so important this year, as it\u2019s a simple step to take to keep yourself and those around you safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conditioning is a good idea, too.<\/p>\n

Preparation is key in many aspects of life, especially physical activity.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t jump right into a marathon, and you shouldn\u2019t jump right into skiing the minute you arrive in the mountains if you haven\u2019t properly prepared,\u201d said Sehnert, \u201cA full day on the slopes is a lot of activity. Being physically prepared can prevent numerous injuries<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Focus on your core<\/a>, quads and hamstrings for better stability.<\/p>\n

\u201cAltitude<\/a> can turn any physical activity into a more difficult one when people travel to the mountains from lower altitudes,\u201d said Sehnert. \u201cIf you have heart<\/a> or lung health concerns, allowing time for acclimatization can be a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moderately increasing your water<\/a> intake before your trip and during your time in the mountains is also helpful and can help prevent headaches and muscle cramps.<\/p>\n

When determining which mode of transportation to take to your favorite slope, consider possible risks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe safest way to travel is in small, personal vehicles with those in your immediate household,\u201d said Bryan. \u201cAny other way of travel can increase risk of exposure. Flying or piling unrelated people into a larger vehicle automatically increases risk due to the number of people you come into contact with, so be sure to wear a mask and practice frequent hand hygiene.\u201d<\/p>\n

While at your destination<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has established guidance for Colorado ski areas and resorts<\/a> to \u201ccreate common expectations for mountain-specific activities.\u201d<\/p>\n

So what can you do?<\/p>\n

\u201cMake smart choices,\u201d said Bryan. \u201cWhen you get to your lodging location, wipe down high-touch areas like the television remote and light switches. Avoid congregating in hallways or areas where many people may have their masks off and are milling around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pack individual hand sanitizer in your coat, and consider packing a lunch and eating outside, or choose grab-and-go options from food services on the mountain. At night, opt for carry-out or cooking in to limit contact with others.<\/p>\n

\"This
Facemasks should be worn over the nose and mouth as a safe way to ski during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While on the mountain, wear your facemask over your nose and mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cA facemask should be multiple layers of fabric,\u201d said Bryan. \u201cHigh-density fabric weave is also one that breathes well to lessen condensation on goggles, and keeps you warm, too.<\/p>\n

Keep a helmet securely strapped to your head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSnow is soft, but it can also be as hard as concrete,\u201d said Sehnert. \u201cA helmet can save you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sehnert\u2019s emergency medicine colleague, Dr. Nathan Anderson<\/a>, once demonstrated how important helmets are via cantaloupes dropped from 8 feet onto a hard floor. The plain melon smashed on the floor, while the melon strapped in a helmet stayed intact while the helmet sustained a crack upon impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter the helmet than your head,\u201d said Anderson.<\/p>\n

Other things you can do to promote safety on the slopes (and not just during a pandemic):<\/p>\n