How to Prevent Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries This Winter
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on 31 January 2024 and updated on 5 February 2026.
As the ski season reaches its peak, slopes fill with ski and snowboard enthusiasts, many of whom return to winter sports after weeks or months of limited physical activity. Winter sports offer a great opportunity to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, but they also require proper preparation, attention, and awareness of potential risks. Falls, traumatic injuries, and muscle overuse are among the most common accidents and can affect not only your vacation, but also your long-term health.
Taking a few simple precautions before and during skiing or snowboarding can significantly reduce the risk of injury and help you enjoy the mountains safely.
Discover the key prevention rules and practical tips to approach the slopes responsibly and with greater confidence.
Why Do Injuries Happen?
In skiing and snowboarding, just like in any sport, there's always a chance of injuries. Furthermore, these winter activities are influenced by weather conditions, temperatures, and altitude, which can have negative impacts. For instance, at higher altitudes, lower oxygen levels may lead to increased breathing rates and fluid loss, reducing athletic performance and elevating the risk of injuries. Some factors contributing to injuries include:
- Adverse weather conditions.
- Altitude-related issues.
- Dehydration.
- Falls.
- Improper behaviors (skiing on slopes beyond one's skill level, disregarding signs, etc.).
- Inadequate equipment.
What Are the Most Common Injuries?
Even experienced skiers and snowboarders, well-equipped and prepared, may experience injuries. Among the most common ones are:
- Knee ligament sprains, tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) strains. They represent a significant percentage of injuries, with about 30-40% of slope incidents involving knee injuries.
- Injuries to the neck, spine, wrist, hand, and head. Concussions account for about 10-15% of incidents, while wrist and hand injuries constitute approximately 15-25% of injuries reported by skiers and snowboarders.
- Shoulder dislocations or fractures. They account for about 5-10% of injuries.
How to Prevent Slope Injuries?
To ensure personal and others' safety, it's essential to take various preventive measures:
- Appropriate clothing. Dressing in layers, wearing wind-resistant clothing, hats, gloves or mittens, and 100% UV protection sunglasses help shield from cold and extreme weather conditions. Also, apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin from harmful sun rays.
- Knowledge of rules and conditions. Being familiar with slope rules is essential. Signage indicates path difficulties and provides critical information such as off-piste danger or adverse weather conditions. It's advisable to explore new paths starting from lower difficulty levels, regardless of personal skill level.
- Optimal physical condition. Maintaining good fitness levels is crucial. A balanced training regimen encompassing cardiovascular activities (fitness), strength exercises (weights), and flexibility (stretching) prepares the body for the physical challenges of skiing and snowboarding.
- Proficiency with lifts. Understanding the correct operation and use of ski lifts is fundamental. Accidents can occur when unaware of lift ascent and descent procedures, like not lowering safety bars or not paying attention to other skiers or snowboarders when exiting lifts.
- Use proper equipment. Gear must be suitable and in good condition. Well-fitted boots, correctly adjusted bindings, helmets, skis, or boards matching your size and skill level are vital to prevent injuries from inadequate equipment.
In the event of an injury on the slopes, the multidisciplinary team at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital is available to provide personalized care pathways for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Learn more about our services: