Front Matter

Eight peer-reviewed papers provide the latest information on snow sport safety, including the means to prevent injury. Topics include: • Use of the signal detection theory to evaluate the effectiveness of current release value recommendations for alpine ski bindings • Methods that can minimize time-consuming correction procedures that improve the release retention performance of rental ski equipment • Insight into the means of choosing an appropriate contrast-enhancing filter to allow better recognition of irregularities in the snow surface by moving skiers • A case control study of the injury incidence of alpine skiing, telemarking, and snowboarding • A one-year study of an indoor, artificial slope in Neuss, Germany to evaluate sustained injuries • A three-year study of skiboarding injuries in comparison to those sustained by classic alpine skiers • Use of a calibrated radar speed gun to determine the velocity of alpine skiers and snowboarders on “blue square” (more difficult) ski trails at three ski areas widely dispersed in the United States • A means of predicting the risk of sustaining a knee injury in alpine skiing by computer simulations STP 1464 is a valuable resource for binding, boot and ski manufacturers; engineers; university professors; physicians, and lawyers; as well as skiing professionals such as ski instructors, ski area managers, and participants in recreational and professional skiing activities.