Ski stopper
Ski stoppers are a device that is used in alpine skiing and touring skiing to prevent the loss of skis . B. to prevent a fall.
The loss of a ski without a ski stopper can mean a difficult or even dangerous situation for the affected skier. In addition, a detached ski can reach high speeds and thus also pose a risk to other skiers.
Ski stoppers work according to the following principle: when the binding is released or the ski boot is separated from the ski, two short levers that rest on the side of the ski when the binding is closed are folded out downwards. This reduces the gliding ability of the ski so that it cannot move so far away from the skier.
An alternative to ski stoppers are lanyards , although both variants have advantages and disadvantages. 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.
With ski stoppers, there is no dangerous anchor effect in the event of an avalanche burial and the risk of injury from the skis in the event of a fall is lower because they are not attached to the skier. In addition, ski stoppers also work z. B. with stored skis when the skier moves away. In contrast to lanyards, ski stoppers are permanently attached to the binding and therefore offer less risk of being forgotten when the skis are put on and taken off frequently.
However, the risk of losing skis in hard snow ( harsh ) on steep terrain is greater, since in this case the braking effect of the ski stopper u. U. not enough. In addition, there is a risk that the skis will not be found again after having lost their skis in deep powder snow, since the ski is not attached to the skier.