SAM Magazine—United Kingdom, Jan. 26, 2017—Over in the United Kingdom, taking selfies while skiing and riding has its consequences, according to a recent study of British skiers funded by UK-based travel insurance company Columbus Direct. The company's research revealed that just over half (51 percent) of experienced skiers have been injured while trying to film or photograph themselves skiing/riding on expert terrain or off-piste.

Of that number, 28 percent required medical treatment as a result. Injuries related to filming were lower on red slopes (“intermediate” in Europe) at 27 percent, and 16 percent of selfie-related injuries occurred on blue slopes (“easy” in Europe). In all, 72 percent of skiers and snowboarders admit to filming or photographing themselves in action.

“The urge to obtain the best selfie or GoPro footage of themselves in action means experienced skiers and snowboarders, those who ski on black runs or go off-piste, are risking serious injury,” Columbus Direct said in a statement.

Four-time British Winter Olympian Chemmy Alcott chimed in on the issue: “The range of technological equipment you can take to the slopes now is incredible and it's fantastic to be able to record your experience, but it's important to remember to take care and put your safety ahead of the selfie!”

The research for Columbus Direct was carried out by an organization called Opinium, which used a representative sample of 2,000 adults, with research completed November 24-28, 2016.

Case in point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKPhqtuZvfI

This report is based on an article from Snow Hunter's World Weekly Snow News

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