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Aspen Valley Hospital is available 24/7 to provide you with the expert care that you need!

Phone:

970-925-1120

Get In Touch:

Send us a message

Address:

Aspen Valley Hospital
0401 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611

Sign up for the Newsletter to receive the latest News & Events from Aspen Valley Hospital.

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Aspen Valley Hospital is available 24/7 to provide you with the expert care that you need!

Phone:

970-925-1120

Get In Touch:

Send us a message

Address:

Aspen Valley Hospital
0401 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611

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Aspen Valley Hospital's Guide to

Ski Season Preparation & Ski Safety

Safety Recommendations for Skiing in Aspen

The increased demand to get outside and avoid crowds this winter has larger numbers of people heading to the slopes. Whether you are seeking guidance on what to stretch before your first run to reduce the risk of injury or information on how to adjust to altitude – Aspen Valley Hospital has the expert advice on how to prepare for the season and ski safely when you are in Aspen, Colorado.

Preparing for Ski Season

It’s best to start your ski season preparation long before the snow falls in town. Successful winter seasons begin with ski-specific strength training and exercise. According to Aspen Valley Hospital physical therapy experts, it takes about six weeks to get into proper shape for skiing and snowboarding, so start early!

 While injuries on mountain can be quickly addressed by Ski Patrol, the more prepared you are the less likely that an injury might occur. 

Follow These Recommendations to Help Avoid Ski Injuries:

  • Don’t push it. Skiing in accordance with your physical condition helps keep you in control.
  • Make sure your equipment is sized right, tuned and ready to go.
  • Learn your way around the mountain to avoid getting onto terrain that is advanced beyond your experience level.
  • Understand the ski slope rating system — green circle, blue square, black diamond and double black diamond as well as any boundary and slope markers — it can carry different degrees of difficulty at different resorts.
  • Be aware of that day’s weather and snow conditions.
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Save the drinking for aprés. Drinking alcohol during a mid-day lunch stop can contribute to less strength and control.

Tips For Skiing Safely on Resort

  • Be prepared: First and foremost, being in better shape reduces your risk of injury especially as the day goes on where fatigue would normally set in. Even for resort days, pack a first aid kit and know how to use it. More significant injuries may require external resources, so bring a communication device to summon help. For areas without cell phone coverage, consider bringing along a radio or satellite communicator.
  • Take care of yourselfDon’t underestimate the temperature drop and wind chill as you gain elevation or the sun begins to set. Weather forecastswebcams and remote weather station data are great resources to get an idea of what to expect. 
  • Plan aheadIf you’re heading to the resort, familiarize yourself with the resort access policies. Research the rules including designated uphill routes, time restrictions, and dog policies. Remember that uphilling access is a privilege, and resorts are designed for downhillers. 
Snowmass Clinic
After Hours Medical Care
Emergency Department
Aspen Ambulance

Snowmass Clinic

For Your Unexpected Medical Needs

77 Wood Road,  Suite #N200
Snowmass Village, CO 81615

7 days/week
8:30 am – 4:30 pm

After Hours Medical Care

Walk-in Clinic for Non-Life-Threatening Medical Needs Without a Trip to the ER

234 East Cody Lane
Basalt, CO 81621

Monday – Friday
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Emergency Department

Immediate Care, When You Need It Most

0401 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611

7 days/week
24/7

 

Aspen Ambulance

24/7 Emergency Service

403 Castle Creek Rd
Aspen, CO 81611

 

As a Level III Trauma Center, Aspen Valley Hospital has extensive emergency and trauma services available, including a hospital-based ambulance service and an FAA-approved helipad on the hospital campus in Aspen. The emergency response team includes fellowship trained emergency physicians and trauma specialists in a state-of-the-art facility.