Abstract
ISSUE: Alpine skiing carries a high risk of traumatic injury, especially from collision impacts with static obstacles like trees or pylons. Epidemiological data alone cannot fully explain the biomechanical complexities fostering these injuries, limiting efforts toward targeted prevention. INNOVATION: To address this limitation, the SANTA project - undertaken by the Graz University of Technology on behalf of the Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV) - implemented a series of finite element (FE) simulations. Using anatomically validated human body models, the project systematically explored collision dynamics across diverse impact configurations. These included variable velocities, anthropometric differences, and protective scenarios involving helmets and energy-absorbing foam padding. RESULTS: The simulations revealed a nonlinear relationship between impact velocity and injury probability, particularly for head trauma. Helmet use lowered the risk of skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. Foam padding on fixed obstacles significantly reduced head impact severity, especially when 20 cm thick and in pediatric cases. Female and child models showed elevated risk for rib and femur fractures, likely due to anatomical factors. LESSONS: These findings underscore the relevance of biomechanically validated human simulations for alpine safety strategies. The demonstrable effectiveness of helmets and foam padding provides evidence for both regulatory recommendations and infrastructure enhancements. KEY MESSAGES: • Finite-Element (FE) simulations enable a detailed biomechanical analysis of skier collisions. These simulations provide valuable, data-driven insights that form the foundation for developing safety measures. They help identify specific risk factors and understand how elements such as speed, body posture, and impact angles influence the likelihood of injury. With this information, targeted strategies can be developed to prevent accidents and improve safety equipment, ultimately enhancing skier safety. • Helmets and strategically placed foam padding have been proven highly effective in reducing the risk of severe head injuries in ski accidents. This is especially true in high-speed collisions or incidents involving children. Helmets and padding absorb a significant portion of the impact energy, reducing the forces exerted on the head and brain. These protective measures are crucial in preventing severe injuries like concussions or fractures, providing strong support for the implementation of safety policies that promote the use of helmets and other protective gear. TOPIC: Alpine skiing, Collision simulation, Injury biomechanics.