What are the Most Common Ski and Snowboard Injuries?

The winter sports industry is a huge part of Michigan’s history and a great way for us to get outside during the long winters for some fresh air and exercise. Although I am always first in line to encourage exercise and sports, we do need to be aware that ski and snowboard injuries are relatively common and can be catastrophic. As such, we should take some precaution and preventive action to limit risk as much as possible.

The table below outlines the most common injuries sustained for each sport. As you would imagine, the injury types do differ a bit from skiing to snowboarding as the activities themselves are inherently different. In well over a decade of treating these injuries it has been my experience that skiers often experience a high incidence of knee injuries and snowboarders often present with more injuries to the upper extremities as well as the head/neck. This seems to correlate with the results of this study. A concern with skiing is the amount of torsional force that can be imposed on the knee. This can result in damage to the ACL, meniscus and other structures. Snowboarding generally prevents a lot of the torsional force to the knee but “catching an edge” can often result in upper extremity injuries when trying to catch yourself from a fall or head injuries from falling backward and hitting your head. 

To reduce the risk of injury while skiing or snowboarding, here are some tips:

1. Wear appropriate equipment. Make sure you have all the correct equipment and that it fits correctly. A helmet should always be a top priority. Make sure it is of high quality and fits snugly so it stays in position if there is an accident. There are also “crash pants” or padded shorts that can be worn underneath clothing. This may be a good idea, especially when first learning.
2. Warm up. Like with all sports, it’s important to warm up before skiing or snowboarding. Take the time to stretch and condition your body and muscles beforehand to have the most enjoyable and safest experience .
3. Learn how to fall properly. Knowing how to fall properly, and practicing it until it becomes second nature, is one of the best ways to reduce or prevent injuries on the slopes. Take the time to practice falling safely, including closing your fists to help reduce hand and wrist injuries. Bring your arms in if possible to further help reduce injuries to arms and upper body.
4. Take lessons. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, taking lessons from a qualified instructor can help you learn the proper techniques and reduce your risk of injury.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Always be aware of your surroundings and other skiers or snowboarders around you. Avoid skiing or snowboarding in areas that are beyond your skill level.
6. Off season training. In general the more fit, flexible and strong you can stay year round the better your body can adapt to these high level activities. Going straight into a full day of skiing or snowboarding when you are not prepared for it will undoubtedly increase your injury risk.

We live in a state where we are lucky enough to have options to stay active in the winter and we should all try to find a way to take advantage of this. But we do need to be aware of the potential consequences and injuries that can happen if we don’t adequately prepare ourselves.

Dave Bearss, P.T., D.P.T., C.S.C.S., T.P.I., is a physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He sees patients at the Campus Ridge Building, located on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. To schedule an appointment, call the office at (989) 837-9100.

Reference:           
Weinstein, Sarah; Khodaee, Morteza; VanBaak, Karin
Current Sports Medicine Reports18(11):394-400, November 2019.