Warm weather empties ski slopes

Despite the recent skiing-related deaths of the former entertainer-turned-Congressman Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy, son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, many area skiers and entrepreneurs remain undaunted in their enjoyment of the winter sport.

Instead, they are hindered by the unseasonably warm weather.

Although Tussey Mountain Ski Area in Boalsburg has been closed since Jan. 5 due to the mild spring-like weather, Christie Lilley, marketing manager, said the incidents won't lead to fewer patrons.

"I think (the deaths) received so much media attention because they were famous people, and I would think that most of the public would realize that," Lilley said. "Our major issue right now is the weather. That's a big concern. People are really anxious to get out here, if the weather would just cooperate."

In light of media coverage of the high-profile deaths, skiing safety is becoming more widely discussed.

Dr. Gary Brazina, a Beverly Hills orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist and former ski racer, offers safety precautions in his article "10 Tips for Safe Skiing" on the Hyperski World Wide Web site.

Brazina urges skiers to get in shape prior to a skiing trip, thoroughly check equipment, dress in layers and wear sunblock and goggles. He also stresses the importance of warming up before the first ski run, practicing on easy slopes, taking ski lessons and drinking plenty of fluids while abstaining from alcohol and drugs. In addition, skiers should go at their own pace and avoid taking "one last run" when already fatigued.

"I would say there has probably been an increase in the awareness of helmets, especially among parents of young children and adolescents, but I don't know whether this has resulted in actually purchasing helmets," said Carlton Hopkins, service manager of The Ski Station, 224 East College Ave.

"I overheard a parent saying 'I don't care if your friends don't wear helmets, you will,' " Hopkins said. "Like with mandatory bicycle helmets, there seems to be a growing concern."

Although parents of young skiers may be concerned, some more experienced skiers aren't phased by the deaths.

"I think that they were really isolated incidents. I love to ski, but I wouldn't wear a helmet. I've never felt threatened by trees or anything," said Beth Van Bastelaar (sophomore-business).

The National Ski Areas Association reported that annually, an average of 32 deaths result from skiing-related incidents in the United States, while 716 recreational boat deaths and 800 bicycle-related deaths were reported in 1995. Of these 32 deaths, the American Medical Association estimates that on average about two are caused by head injuries.