Back protector mandatory on the slopes? Why we think so

You stand at the top of the slope. The sun is shining, the snow is fresh, and you feel that thrill you only get on a winter sports trip. You push off, build up speed, and enjoy every turn. And then, out of nowhere, someone shoots across the slope from the side. Too fast, too close. A bump, a fall, and before you know it, you're lying in the snow.

These kinds of moments happen on every slope, every day. The slopes are getting busier, the skis and boards are getting faster, and usually, it's not even your fault. Would a back protector have prevented the accident? Probably not. But it can make a difference when things go wrong.

We’re definitely putting it on. Not because we have to, but because we know what the risks are. And that goes for everyone.

Is a back protector mandatory when skiing or snowboarding?

There is no law that requires you to wear a back protector , not in Austria, France, Switzerland, or Italy. No fine, no checks at the lift. You decide for yourself whether to put it on.

And yet, more and more winter sports enthusiasts are wearing a back protector.

So why are more and more winter sports enthusiasts wearing a back protector?

A collision with another skier. A fall on ice. A bump from the lift while you're not paying attention. Sometimes you just fall awkwardly. It happens without warning, and usually, you're not even the cause. 

That risk is the reason to wear a back protector : you can't prevent it, but you can prepare for it. This way, you reduce the chance of back injury if things go wrong. 

In the past, a back protector was clumsy, warm, and didn't look good, enough reason to leave it at home. That's changed now. They come in all sorts of colors, sizes, and prints, with matching thermal tops underneath, and hardly stand out under your clothes.

The risk remains the same. The only difference is that there's no excuse to leave it at home anymore.

Is a back protector also necessary for beginners, or just for advanced users?

Whether you're skiing for the first time or have years of experience: accidents can happen in a small corner. Beginners fall more often: new movements, no sense of speed yet, turns that don't come naturally. Advanced skiers go faster and seek out the challenge. And for both, it’s not always your fault. There are plenty of factors you can't control: another skier, a busy slope, snow conditions.

At Spines , we believe that protection is for everyone, no matter the level. Wearing a back protector reduces the chance of back injury. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, it doesn't make a difference.

How much protection does a back protector actually provide?

A back protector ensures that the impact of a fall is not concentrated in one spot on your back, but is spread over a larger area. This prevents the full impact from landing on one small, vulnerable point of your back. It's never a guarantee against injury, but it does reduce the chance of back injury if something goes wrong.

Not every back protector offers the same level of protection. Here’s what to look for before you buy one:

• Safety standard EN1621-2: the European standard that indicates a back protector has actually been tested for shock absorption. Read here exactly what this means. 

• Good fit: a back protector that doesn't fit well offers less protection. The size chart helps you choose the right size.

• Freedom of movement: a back protector that feels stiff or doesn't move with you hinders you while skiing or snowboarding.

Our own back protectors meet all these points. Makes sense, because that's exactly why we designed them this way.

Why do we find this so important?

Spines didn't just start as a company that sells back protectors. Founder Menno Streefland hit an ice patch while skiing in Austria, fell off the slope, and ended up with a spinal cord injury.From that experience, he decided to help other winter sports enthusiasts to sport more safely while also contributing to research on spinal cord injuries. Want to read his whole story? Then check it out here.

For every sold back protector , Spines donates to Wings for Life, a foundation that funds research on spinal cord injuries. So far, more than €880.000 has been donated in this way.

This is exactly why we exist: to reduce the risk of back injuries while contributing as much as possible to research on spinal cord injuries.

It's not mandatory yet. A ski helmet was once just a choice, but in Italy, it has now become legally required for everyone. It could very well be the next step for a back protector. But the next time you stand at the top of the slope, you know the risks and understand why more and more people are putting it on anyway. 

We do it. Not because we have to, but because we have experienced it ourselves. Curious which back protector fits you?