SUN VALLEY, Idaho โ During a training session in Switzerland last offseason, American downhill racer Breezy Johnson narrowly avoided a severe injury when another skier unexpectedly veered into her path, grazing her calf with a sharp ski edge. Fortunately, Johnson was wearing cut-resistant undergarments, leaving her with only a minor bruise despite the ski slicing through her outer clothing.
The incident highlights the growing concern over the dangers posed by sharp skis, especially in the aftermath of crashes, prompting racers at the World Cup finals to increasingly wear cut-resistant layers for protection. Currently optional, these protective garments will become mandatory next season according to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
This regulatory change follows a series of high-profile accidents involving racers sustaining injuries from ski blades. For example, Norwegian athlete Aleksander Aamodt Kilde required surgery for a severe laceration and nerve damage in his right calf after a recent crash.
โImproving safety is paramount as we strive to make ski racing as secure as possible,โ stated Markus Waldner, the chief race director for the menโs World Cup. โAlthough the sport carries inherent risks, we must prevent it from being perceived as dangerous. Instead, we aim for it to be seen as an exhilarating sport that inspires future generations.โ Currently, a select few companies produce cut-resistant undergarments conforming to the safety guidelines set by the sportโs governing body, FIS.
One notable manufacturer is Vix Protection, spearheaded by 27-year-old Victor Wiacek. He started the company in his garage, motivated by personal experience after a serious injury while racing for Babson College years ago, which left him with a substantial scar and over 220 stitches.
โI was saved by someone nearby who swiftly applied a tourniquet, yet I lost significant blood,โ Wiacek recalls. While recovering, he resolved to develop a solution to this preventable hazard. Continuously experimenting with textiles, Wiacekโs latest innovation is a polyethylene-based fabric that resists ski lacerations. His venture began in 2019, initially catering to friends and family before expanding to set testing standards for cut-resistant gear.
โSkis are getting sharper, making this type of injury more prevalent,โ Wiacek commented. โThis is an injury we can not just mitigate but potentially eliminate.โ Showcasing his productโs efficacy, Wiacek frequently demonstrates cut resistance at global ski events with a machete and a mannequin dressed in his gear.
Top racers, including Lindsey Vonn and Breezy Johnson, rely on Wiacekโs undergarments, especially after experiences highlighting their necessity. Reflecting on a close encounter, Johnson stated: โThe ski cut through various layers but not the cut-resistant material. I wasnโt injured at all, just a distinct bruise.โ
This gear was similarly sought by Mikaela Shiffrin after a fall in a Vermont giant slalom race resulted in a mysterious puncture. While unsure if protective clothing would have helped her specific circumstance, she acknowledged the need for comprehensive safety solutions.
Kilde, reflecting on his painful injury earlier this year, fully supports safety advancements. โA cut-resistant garment would have prevented significant damage in my case,โ he noted, having been sidelined due to shoulder and leg injuries.
Veteran racer and six-time Olympic medalist Bode Miller believes such protection could have averted some injuries he endured throughout his storied career. โThereโs a need for more safety innovation,โ he emphasized, sharing experiences of training and personal mishaps involving sharp skis.
For Austrian skier Cornelia Huetter, the reassurance provided by cut-resistant clothing is invaluable for peace of mind on the slopes. โItโs a precaution I hope I never need,โ she expressed.
Overall, as the sport evolves, efforts continue to enhance safety, ensuring skiing remains both exhilarating and protected.