Lanyard (ski)

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Lanyard

Safety straps (also: ski catchers) are a device that is used in alpine skiing (especially touring skiing ) and is intended to prevent the ski from being lost in the event of a fall.

function

With the advent of the safety binding , which separates the ski from the boot when certain forces are exceeded, a solution became necessary for this situation, as the loss of a ski can mean a difficult or even dangerous situation for the skier concerned. In addition, a detached ski can reach high speeds and thus also pose a risk to other skiers.

Safety straps connect the ski binding with a loop fastened around the skier's foot, so that the ski is loosely connected to the skier. For safety reasons, modern lanyards are designed so that they can be released quickly.

Ski stoppers are an alternative to lanyards . The advantages and disadvantages of ski stoppers and lanyards have been discussed for many years. Sometimes discussed controversially. It is often advisable to consider the specific situation (terrain, snow conditions, etc.) when deciding between ski stoppers and lanyards. Many ski tourists therefore count both as part of their standard equipment.

Another alternative to lanyards in order to avoid losing skis in deep powder snow is the use of deep snow straps. These are 2–3 meters long, bright bands that are attached to the ski and tucked loosely under the trouser leg. In the event of a fall with a loss of ski, the ski can now be easily found using the strap.

Critical consideration of lanyards compared to ski stoppers

advantages

  • Lanyards also work on steep terrain in hard snow, where ski stoppers can be inadequate.
  • Lanyards prevent the ski from being lost, even in deep powder snow, where the ski could otherwise not be found.
  • Safety straps are technically very simple and therefore easy to make provisionally yourself in an emergency.
  • Safety straps are particularly effective in heavily glaciated terrain, where they can prevent the ski from being lost in the crevice due to the risk of falling into a crevasse.

disadvantage

  • in the event of an avalanche burial , the attached skis act like an anchor, so that in this case lanyards can pose a deadly danger.
  • Safety straps are more complex to use than the automatically triggered ski stoppers, as they have to be consciously put on, which can be forgotten and is uncomfortable if the skis are put on and taken off frequently.
  • Safety straps do not work when the skier steps away from the skis.
  • There is an increased risk of injury in the event of a fall, as the detached ski remains in the immediate vicinity of the body and, depending on the situation, can hit the skier sensitively.
  • Not every binding offers the possibility of attaching lanyards or deep snow straps.