Ski federation launches research project to make ski racing safer

Ski federation launches safety research project

KITZBUEHEL, Austria — The international ski federation has initiated a three-year research project to improve safety for Alpine skiers.

FIS said Friday it has asked the University of Salzburg to analyze the risks involved in Alpine skiing and come up with proposals that may decrease the number of injuries.

The ski federation says 43 percent of all Alpine World Cup skiers had an injury last year.

Downhill world champion John Kucera, World Cup slalom champion Jean-Baptiste Grange and former overall World Cup winner Nicole Hosp are among the racers who have been ruled out for the season with severe injuries.