Just after Christmas, five international World Cup racers crashed and were hospitalized with massive injuries including one with a bleeding brain, others with numerous broken bones and a dislocated shoulder. Three were airlifted to the hospital

The horrendous crashes occurred within a few days on the Stelvio slope that is scheduled to be the men's Downhill and Super-G course in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio in northern Italy. The women's course is on a different mountain in Cortina d'Ampezzo and is a 5 hour car ride away.

There's a lot of finger pointing about the Stelvio course. Many athletes say the course is poorly prepared and maintained. Others say there's not enough time to fix the course before the Olympics. The director in charge defends the course saying his team implemented many safety features to make the course as safe as possible.

Interestingly, the brutality of the injuries coincided with a recent FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) mandate that all Downhill and Super-G racers must wear inflatable airbags in World Cup competitions during the 2024-2025 season, and also during World Championships and the Olympics. The goal is to prevent injuries when a racer crashes. However, airbags are not required for training runs.

A racer looks like Popeye when the airbag inflates.

Inflatable airbags for skiers have been in development by many companies for years, but the FiS ruling suddenly brings the technology to the forefront. Dainese, a manufacturer, says its airbag is developed in collaboration with the FiS, adding: its D-air® system's electronic control is an intelligent brain powered by cutting-edge software and a sophisticated algorithm. It recognizes the dynamics of a fall and activates the airbag with patented microfilament technology that was developed over more than 20 years of experience. The bottom line: It inflates in a nano-second to protect athletes before they hit the ground.

Some racers aren't so sure about the airbag. Some say it can restrict movement and slow them down. Others say they'd prefer cut-proof underwear to prevent lacerations from their razor sharp ski edges.

Photos source: Internet