The Most Common Ski and Snowboarding Injuries (And How to Avoid Them)

Let’s be real: skiing and snowboarding are awesome, FACT!. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of ripping down a slope with the wind in your face and snow flying everywhere. But, as much as we all like to channel our inner speed demon, the reality is that we’re not invincible.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner (or anywhere in between), the fact is: injuries happen. In this blog post, we’re going to break down the most common injuries you’ll see on the slopes and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Because let’s face it, no one wants to spend their vacation in the ski lodge with a hot pack on their leg while everyone else is out shredding.

1. Knee Injuries: The Classic Wipeout Woes

Ah, the knee. The part of your body that bends, twists, and sometimes doesn’t want to bend or twist quite the way you ask. Knee injuries are by far one of the most common ski and snowboarding injuries. The most infamous culprit? The dreaded “ACL tear” (anterior cruciate ligament tear). It's basically when your knee’s internal ligaments get stretched too far or torn from improper twists or falls, often when you’re trying to make a sudden turn or land that trick you saw on YouTube. Oops.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t overdo it – Ease into the day and avoid pushing your limits, especially if you’re still warming up.

• Work on your core strength – Having a solid core helps stabilize your entire body and reduces the strain on your knees.

• Keep those knees bent – A slight bend in your knees is your best defense against injury. Not only does it give you better control, but it also absorbs shocks if you fall (and you will fall).

2. Wrist Fractures: The “I’m Definitely Not Falling” Fall

If you’ve ever wiped out on a snowboard or skiing, (let’s be honest), you’ve probably instinctively thrown your hands out in front of you to break your fall. And, because your arms were built to not absorb the full impact of gravity, your wrist took the brunt of it. The result? A lovely sprain or fracture. Not exactly the kind of souvenir you want from your trip.

How to avoid it:

• Use your whole body to fall – When you fall, try to distribute the impact by not relying solely on your wrists. Keep your arms close to your body and try to roll into the fall.

• Wear wrist guards – If you’re snowboarding, these can be a lifesaver. They’re designed to keep your wrist in a safe position and reduce the chance of a fracture.

• Take it slow – Mastering balance before going full send will help you avoid the awkward falls that lead to wrist injuries.

3. Head Injuries: "I think I've Bammaged my Drain"

Head injuries can range from a minor bump to a concussion (or worse). A nasty fall on hard-packed snow or hitting an obstacle (we’re looking at you, tree) can lead to some serious consequences. This is why helmets are your best friend on the mountain, no matter how old or experienced you are. Seriously, don’t be that person who thinks it’s too uncool to wear one. Spoiler alert: It’s way cooler to have a fully functioning brain.

How to avoid it:

• Wear a helmet – Don’t skip this one. Modern helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and stylish (so you won’t even look like a total nerd, promise). They protect your head from the majority of impacts.

• Avoid risky stunts – Don’t go full send on jumps or tricks if you’re not experienced. Save the tricks for later when your body’s more accustomed to the slopes.

• Stay aware – Look out for hazards like other skiers, snowmobiles, and terrain park obstacles that can lead to dangerous collisions.

4. Shoulder Injuries: You Go Down but Don’t Get Back Up

You know that moment when you're coming down a hill too fast, and your body decides to take the path of least resistance? Your shoulder often ends up taking the brunt of the impact, especially if you fall forward or sideways. This can lead to shoulder dislocations, sprains, or even broken bones.

How to avoid it:

• Practice falling – Yes, you read that right. The best way to avoid injury when you fall is to learn how to fall properly. Tuck your arms in and try to roll, rather than just slamming onto the ground.

• Strengthen your shoulders – Building up shoulder strength off the mountain can make a big difference. Strong muscles around your shoulder joints will help protect you in case of a fall.

• Don’t stiffen up – Tension in your muscles makes falls worse. Stay loose, stay relaxed, and you’ll reduce the risk of a shoulder injury.

5. Spinal Injuries: The “I’ll Just Sit Down for a Second” Syndrome

While it’s less common than some other injuries, spinal injuries are by far the most serious. A hard fall, especially on your back or neck, can lead to anything from minor sprains to more severe issues like fractures. If you’re feeling even the slightest bit of discomfort in your back, don’t hesitate to take a break and assess your situation.

How to avoid it:

• Avoid risky terrain – Stick to slopes and trails that match your skill level. Big jumps and steep, icy hills are best left to experts.

• Wear proper equipment – A good, well-fitted ski or snowboard jacket with padding can help protect your back in case of a fall.

• Listen to your body – If something feels off, stop. It’s better to take a break than risk a serious injury.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Have Fun!

The most important thing to remember is that skiing and snowboarding are meant to be fun! Of course, we all want to push ourselves and try new things, but the key to staying safe on the mountain is being smart about it. Start slow, know your limits, and invest in good gear (especially a helmet). And remember: if you do wipe out (because YOU WILL), laugh it off, dust yourself off, and get back at it.

After all, there’s nothing quite like that feeling when you finally nail that turn, land that jump, or just cruise down a slope without eating snow. And when you’re doing that, you’ll have forgotten all about the potential dangers. At least until the next time you face-plant.

Stay safe, stay stoked, and see you on the slopes!