The Accident Compensation Corporation has paid out $46 million for injuries to people who hit the South Island’s ski slopes in the past five years. Figures released by the national no-fault accident insurance scheme show 55,577 snowsports claims have been made nationally since 2014. "We track all injuries on the mountain — the rate getting treated in our medical rooms is about two per 1000 skiers and snowboarders," he said. Typical injuries for skiers were of the knee and lower leg, while snowboarders generally tended to hurt their shoulders and arms. The majority now wore helmets, so head injuries were declining, but there was no move yet to make them compulsory.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 04, 2018 15:44 UTC