By Rebecca Vallett
The number of ski fatalities is on the rise. Colorado has registered a record 13 ski-related deaths this season.
Mike Jenkins, director of snow safety at Snowbasin Ski Resort, said two factors have contributed to the increase in fatalities: the increase in the numbers of both skiers and snowboarders, and this year''s snowfall being low, which creates harder, icier snow. The combination can be life-threatening, Jenkins said.
In all 13 deaths, none of the victims were snowboarding, and none were wearing helmets.
Because skiers are capable of higher speeds, an impact is much more likely to cause injury, Jenkins said.
'Most fatal ski accidents result from head injuries when skiers and riders collide with trees or other solid objects,' he said.
But ski patrollers debate whether wearing helmets decreases fatalities.
Paul Garske, director of Snowbird Ski Patrol, said skiers and riders who wear helmets are more likely to sustain injury.
'When people wear helmets they think the can go faster and take more risk. It changes the mechanism of the injury,' Garske said.
According to coroners'' reports, in two of the Colorado deaths a helmet would have saved the skiers'' lives.
In three of the other accidents, coroners said a helmet might have helped.
'Helmets are a viable piece of equipment for skiers and snowboarders, just as they are for any sport or profession where one might encounter a bump on the head,' said Steven Over, executive director of National Ski Patrol.
'But the bottom line is it''s a matter of personal choice whether to wear one or not,' he said.