Of course, skiers can go a lot faster than that. American ski racer Lindsey Vonn routinely clocks up speeds of 80-85mph on downhill courses, and confident, athletic skiers can easily reach 60mph on a steep piste. Skiing fast is all very well in a World Cup race: but it’s much more problematic in a crowded ski resort. Many skiers do not have the skills to control their descents at this speed – and they’re a danger both to themselves and to other mountain users, who won’t see an out-of-control skier tearing towards them from behind. The result? 10% of all injuries on the slopes are the result of collisions with other mountain users. These collisions can be fatal, too. So reduce your speed, especially if the pistes are crowded.
