Skiing accident costs skyrocket in Switzerland

The costs of winter sports accidents involving skiers and snowboarders have increased by 70% over the past 15 years, according to the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA).  Switzerland’s largest accident insurer found that costs had risen from CHF224 million ($228 million) to CHF379 million, or 3.6% per year, over this period.  Together, skiing and snowboarding accidents account for three-quarters of costs. Annually, 27,000 ski accidents cost CHF250 million, compared to CHF36 million francs for around 6,500 snowboard accidents.  Several factors are behind the high medical costs: faster high-performance carving skis, high-speed groomed slopes, and artificial snow, which can be harder and less resistant than natural snow.  Age also plays a role, SUVA spokesman Jean-Luc Alt pointed out: “Today, we see that ski accidents mainly affect people aged 40-59, who are less in shape.”  Older people may have to spend longer periods away from the office to recover after an accident, which ...