Vision - an essential factor for safety in skiing: perception, reaction, and motion control aspects

To determine the effect of reduced visual acuity on the reaction time of a skier in safety-critical skiing situations, field experiments were conducted in the 1995/96 winter season. The subjects were required to pass over a prepared ledge in the terrain and react to simulated obstacles partly blocking the course. All experiments were video recorded. Three types of obstacles were tested including ice patches, a standing skier, and a skier just starting to move. Two experimental conditions were examined: normal visual acuity and reduced visual acuity. From the videotape, the subjects' time for an evasive action was determined and statistically analyzed.