The number of ski accidents in the Tatra Mountains this winter has maintained the high level reached in the same period a year ago.

The Polish Tatra Rescuers (TOPR) have so far rescued over 1,500 injured skiers and in 2009 as many as 1,754 - and the winter season is not finished yet.

Most of the accidents (1,025) happened between 17 January and 28 February, which is the winter school holiday in Poland.

“Recklessness and insufficient skills were the main cause of ski accidents. Skiers often do not care about other users of ski piste and, for example, cut in on less experienced skiers,” says Tomasz Wojciechowski from TOPR.

Skiers usually sprained or broke their legs; snow boarders broke their arms or wrists and sprain their shoulders.

The most reported accident this winter happened in Jurgowo when a skier slid from a ski lift and fell eight metres down, injuring her spine and ribs. (mg/pg)