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by Shelle Koller

Whether you are an expert skier or simplya beginner, you willneed to know the facts on safe skiing.

Last year, several people on campus suffered ski-related injuries. Among these casualities were: Mike Charvala,junior, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament; Steve Buividas, freshman, who crashed into a tree while skiing at Camelback, bruising his thigh; Laurie Kitchin, sophomore, who displaced her kneecap while skiing in Vermont; and Karen Santucci who spent weeks in traction because her rented skies came unattached and tossed her down the slope.

Because skiing has the potential to be a dangerous sport, skiers should be informed on what precautions to take in order to avoid unnecessary injuries.

"When you rent the equipment, others have used it time and time again. You can never be sure how safe it really is," Fenerty said.

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Good equipment is perhaps the best way to protect oneself against injury. Molly Fenerty, senior and experienced amateur skier, recommended that skiers purchase their own skies, poles, boots and bindings.

LeMons are also highly encouraged, especially for beginning skiers. This gives them the opportunity to learn the basic techniques of safe skiing.

The levels of skiing difficulty are: beginner, novice, intermediate, and expert. Beginners should use shorter skis, preferably 135-145inches. The shorter the length of the ski, the more control the skier has. Expert skiers usually should wear 185 inch skis. These skis are longer, and quicker but more difficult to control.

Although poles are not necessary, skiers use them to keep their balance. "I have to use poles when I ski," Kitchin said. "They are like a security blanket."

While skiing, ~l parts of the body should be covered. Protective clothing is just as important as good equipment.

"The ideal ski-wear is light, but warm," Kim Kovach, senior, said.

Layered clothing is recommended, however, skiers should not go overboard. Down ski jackets, warm-ups, sweaters, turtlenecks, scarves, and insulated gloves should be worn to protect the body against frostbite.

Elaine Santucci, senior, wears a sunblock to protect her skin from sunburn. Santucci also recommends sunglasses to cut down on the glare. Some skiers prefer to wear goggles to keep the snow out of their eyes.

Fenertysaid it is especially important not to wear more than one pair of socks. "The boots are already warm and if you wear socks that are part wool, your feet should be warm enough. Layers of socks have a tendency to trap moisture, causing the feet to feel cold."

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