Organization of Skiing Safety in Norway

Many of the papers about skiing injuries in Norway have been epidemiological with identification of groups of skiers at risk. Other papers have studied adjustment and testing of release bindings and evaluated specific brands and types of bindings. The disclosed injury data called for preventive measures, and an Alpine Skiing Safety Council was established in 1984 with representatives from the main skiing-related organizations and the state authorities. The council has worked to promote and coordinate the work for skiing safety in each organization, and plans of action have been made for five target areas (skiing equipment, skiing injuries, skiing ability and behavior, ski slopes, and rescue service). Parts of these plans have already been implemented. An improved economy has generated more common initiatives from the council, and a second national conference on skiing safety was arranged in Oslo in November 1987.