News

Protective ski gear has again been recommended to skiers after a British actress was critically injured on the slopes in Canada.

Natasha Richardson was skiing in the Quebec resort of Mont Tremblant when the accident occurred, although the exact details are not known.

She is reported to have been treated for a serious head injury at Montreal's Sacre Coeur hospital and her husband Liam Neeson has flown to be at her bedside.

A spokesperson for the film Chloe, which Neeson left to join his wife, said he did not have any specific details as to Natasha's condition, but gave his best wishes to the family.

Julian Redhead, head of emergency medicine at St Mary's hospital in Paddington said that the accident should highlight the importance of protective ski gear to winter sports enthusiasts.

"The injuries can be as bad as those you would expect from a car crash because skiers are not protected," he commented.

Ski helmets and crash pants such as those manufactured by Head could be a good option for skiers and snowboarders.