For many people heading for the slopes this skiing season, one of the biggest concerns is the fear of a collision with another skier or snowboarder. Recently released statistics from the Austrian Committee for Alpine Safety (KfAS) however, show the vast majority of skiing accidents do not involve another skier – in fact there are very few collisions on the slopes.

The study revealed that just 10 percent of all accidents on Austrian pistes last year involved 2 or more skiers or snowboarders. The majority of accidents were put down to skiers over estimating their skill level, a lack of concentration or genuine strains and injuries. The afternoon’s were the most likely time to suffer an injury, when skiers and boarders are more likely to suffer from fatigue, lose their concentration or have had an alcoholic drink at lunch.

The KfAS found that there have been more than 2,300 accidents in the Austrian Alps this winter and each year around 60,000 skiers and snowboarders at Austrian resorts have to visit hospital as a result of injuries suffered on the slopes. Amongst the main complaints, knee injuries are the most common amongst skiers while snowboarders prove more susceptible to wrist injuries.

Quote about equipment, keeping safe, not drinking.