Take care on the ski slopes this winter with our guide about what you can do to reduce your risk of injury.

Knees

Around 30-40% of all skiing injuries affect the knee. A sudden twisting movement can result in a strain to the ligament that runs down the inside of the knee or a tear to the cartilage inside the knee.

Top tip: Reduce your risk of injury by taking part in specific ski training. This will help you to perform better and prevent fatigue.

Skier’s thumb

The thumb comes in for one in ten ski injuries. Falling with the pole still in your hand means you can over-extend your thumb, which can cause strain or rupture of the strong ligament that supports the thumb when pinching or gripping. 

Top tip: Prevent overstraining by not putting your thumb in the loop hole of the ski pole.

Wrists and collar bones

Putting out your arm to save yourself when you fall, can result in a fracture to the wrist and/or collar bone.

Top tip: Improving balance and self-awareness about the position of your body can help. Snowboarders may find it helpful to wear wrist guards.

Head injuries

Head injuries are believed to account for 10-20% of all injuries sustained on the slopes with most, thankfully being minor.

Minor head injuries are usually caused by falling onto hard snow or ice whereas more serious head injuries often occur as a result of a fall or a collision.

Top tip: There is still some confusion as to whether helmets do help to prevent head injuries but as a small knock to the head is enough to cause concussion, helmets are certainly to be recommended.