[Comparison between ski and snowboarding accidents. Current overview from the ski area Arosa (Switzerland) (1988/89 to 1994/95)].

The ski resort of Arosa (Switzerland) is geographically isolated and has recorded it winter sports accidents since 1969. Based on this reliable data, the ski (3877 in total) and snowboard (512 in total) accidents of the last seven years were statistically analyzed. The study showed that snowboarding isn't much more dangerous than skiing the number of accidents was about the same in both groups, whereas snowboarders were less likely to be admitted to a hospital or to get injured by collision. The average age of snowboarders was 21.6 years, almost 20 years lower than that of the skiers. Both sexes were about equally represented. Most snowboarders had injuries of the upper extremity (14% fractures of the radius, 9% distortions), particularly because of falling backward after losing balance. In both groups (skiers and snowboarders) 60% of all injuries were of low grade, which did not lead to long absence from work. The results are discussed and compared with already existing publications.