Level of Overestimation Among Dutch Recreational Skiers: Unskilled Tourists in the Mountains.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the level of overestimation (LO), associated factors, and identify the group of severe overestimators, among recreational skiers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: An intermediate difficulty slope in an artificial snow indoor ski hall, and one in the mountains (Flachau, Austria). PARTICIPANTS: Dutch recreational skiers. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Participants were asked to rate themselves (SRSS, self-reported skill score). While skiing downhill they were objectively evaluated by 2 expert assessors (OSS, observed skill score). Potential associated factors and predictors for severe overestimation were assessed by a questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The LO, calculated by subtracting the OSS from the SRSS, was categorized into "no," "mild," and "severe." Potential differences between these groups were analyzed, and regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with severe overestimation. To construct a profile of severe overestimators, the dataset was stratified based on 3 variables. RESULTS: Overestimation was largely present (79.8%), and was severe in 32%. The LO decreased toward the more skilled skiers. Severe overestimators were mainly male, skied the least hours per day, were more avoidant, and showed the highest proportions of beginners and slightly advanced skiers. The profile of "severe overestimator" is characterized by physically unprepared males, avoidant for certain weather circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Overestimation among recreational Dutch skiers is largely present, particularly among physically unprepared males, avoidant of certain snow and weather conditions. These features may function as a proxy to identify "severe overestimators" in comparable populations. Preventive strategies should focus to increase awareness particularly among these subjects.

Estimating skills level in recreational skiing: Development and validation of a practical multidimensional instrument.

Skiing and snowboarding are both popular recreational alpine sports, with substantial injury risk of variable severity. Although skills level has repeatedly been associated with injury risk, a validated measure to accurately estimate the actual skills level without objective assessment is missing. This study aimed to develop a practical validated instrument, to better estimate the actual skills level of recreational skiers, based on the criteria of the Dutch Skiing Federation (DSF), and covering five different skill domains. A sample of Dutch recreational skiers (n = 84) was asked to fill in a questionnaire reflecting seven, a priori chosen predictors by expert opinion, to ski downhill and to be objectively evaluated by expert assessors. The instrument was developed to have a multidimensional character and was validated according to the TRIPOD guideline (Transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis). The sample reported an overall incorrect self-reported estimation of their skills, compared with the observed skill score. The instrument showed good calibration and underwent multiple validation methods. The estimated skills score showed to be closer to the observed scores, than self-reportage. Our study provides a practical, multidimensional, and validated instrument to estimate the actual skills level. It proved to better reflect the actual skills levels compared with self-reportage among recreational skiers.

Injury patterns after skiing and snowboarding sports accidents.

BACKGROUND: Alpine sports are associated with risk of serious injuries. To gain insight into factors that may help reduce injury severity, accident characteristics and injury patterns were analyzed in a cohort of injured skiers and snowboarders. METHODS: All patients with Alpine sports-related injuries, reporting the injury to a leading medical assistance organization in the Netherlands in the period of 2013-2016, were contacted. Medical data were collected from the patients' files. Only ski and snowboard incidents were included. Injuries were classified according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and Injury Severity Scale (ISS). Data on the accident conditions, i.e. risk factors, were collected using retrospective patient-reported questionnaires. Risk factors for injuries with ISS≥9 were analysed by multivariate modelling. RESULTS: Of the 1588 included patients, 421 patients filled out the questionnaire. Skiers (N.=1370) had more knee injuries (20.4% vs. 7.4%, P<0.001), femur fractures (5.3% vs. 0.5%, P=0.002) and lower leg fractures (27.5% vs. 11.5%, P<0.001) compared to snowboarders (N.=218). Skiers were also more seriously injured (ISS>9) (P=0.01). Injured snowboarders sustained more brain concussions (8.8% vs. 15.7%, P=0.003) and lower arm fractures (5.4% vs. 16.1%, P<0.001). Only 'a higher skills level' was borderline significant for predicting serious injury (OR: 4.0 95% CI: 0.86-18.50; P=0.08). No additional risk factors were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Injury patterns after skiing and snowboarding accidents differ, injury severity differed not. Preventive measures should therefore aim to protect specific body parts depending on the type of Alpine sport. Experienced skiers and snowboarders may be more at risk for serious injuries.