Every winter, the joy of skiing brings millions of French people together on the slopes. But for the sport to remain a moment of shared happiness with family or friends, it’s useful to know which injuries are common in skiing and how to avoid them. Sprains, ligament tears, falls on the wrists…
Over the 2019/2020 season, there were 2.35 injured people per 1,000 skier days, often due to a lack of physical preparation and/or a tendency to overestimate one’s ability to handle speed. Yet ski injuries aren’t inevitable, and certain behaviours can help you avoid them.
The most common injuries among skiers
60% of injuries are sprains and fractures
Sprains and fractures account for almost 60% of injuries during ski accidents. Half of these injuries involve a knee sprain (32% of all injuries). A poorly initiated turn, crossed skis or a fall can cause a twist of the knee. It’s by far the most affected part of the body when it comes to ski injuries. The most violent twists can even lead to a ligament tear, which accounts for 18% of ski injuries, and women are more affected than men by this type of injury.
Head trauma accounts for only 3% of injuries
Head trauma (noted as HT in the chart above) accounts for only 3% of ski injuries. Yet it gets a lot of media coverage because its consequences can be serious. Head trauma often happens during a collision between two skiers, or between a skier and an obstacle (chairlift pylon, tree, rock…). The risk of a brain injury for skiers can be greatly reduced by wearing a helmet.
How to avoid ski injuries?
We’ve gathered 5 key tips here to help you avoid ski injuries and enjoy a worry-free mountain holiday.
Tip #1: gear
One in two knee sprains is linked to incorrect ski binding settings. Whether you decide to rent or use your own gear, it’s essential to take the time to set your bindings according to your technical level and body shape. This step must never be skipped. On top of that, it’s important to invest in protective gear like wrist guards for snowboarding, or a helmet for all snow sports. 7 in 10 adults now wear a helmet during a day on the slopes, which drastically reduces their risk of head trauma in a collision.
Tip #2: the trio of Training – Warm-up – Hydration
Skiing is demanding on the body. Fatigue and a lack of muscle increase the risk of falls and injuries. Physical preparation beforehand, plus warming up and hydrating during exercise, are essential parts of an injury-free ski trip. If you don’t know how to get back in shape before ski season, check out our article presenting 6 exercises to nail your physical preparation for skiing.
Tip #3: speed
Uncontrolled speed is very often a cause of ski injuries. If you’re a beginner, head to the dedicated areas that let you learn away from high-speed skiers. You’ll feel much more confident making your first turns.
If you’re an experienced skier, watch out for over-confidence in your abilities. Speed on skis can be intoxicating and make you forget the dangers. Improving your technique will help you control your line and your speed. As a first step, you can take a look at our article to check that you’re not making these mistakes on skis!
Tip #4: some snow is more dangerous than others
With 1 metre of powder, nobody worries about falling. On the other hand, the harder the snow, the higher the risk of falls and injuries. So watch out on icy days and when there’s a lack of fresh snow.
That’s also why spring skiing offers ideal conditions to get started. Under the warmth, the snow is softer. It’s therefore easier to ski and less dangerous in case of a fall. As a bonus, in spring, there are fewer people on the slopes, so less risk of bumping into another skier.
Tip #5: anticipate the drop in concentration
Ski injuries are also the result of a drop in alertness or a wish to enjoy our trip (a bit too intensely). The last day of skiing or the only sunny day in a foggy week are all temptations to keep going despite fatigue. Know when to stop, because one fewer run is better than a night at the emergency room!
Also watch out for ski days after several hours on the road, the day after a party or short nights… Fatigue and skiing don’t mix well, as tiredness reduces your level of concentration.
Depending on your level and the weather conditions, allow yourself some rest days to give your muscles a break and enjoy the relaxing setting of the mountains in winter! A wide range of activities in the mountains is available to you throughout the ski season!
