Common Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries
The ski season is in getting going, and with many families making the most of the slopes during Christmas and then half term, skiing and snowboarding injuries are unfortunately very common at this time of year. Both sports demand strength, balance, and coordination – but the combination of speed, variable snow conditions, and fatigue can sometimes lead to accidents.
In this blog, we’ll look at the most common skiing and snowboarding injuries, ways to help prevent them, and how physiotherapy can support your recovery should you get injured.
Common Skiing Injuries
Knee Ligament Injuries (ACL/MCL tears or sprains): Skiers often suffer knee injuries due to twisting falls or sudden changes in direction.
Meniscus Tears: The cartilage in the knee can be damaged by awkward landings or rotations.
Fractures (tibia, femur): High-speed falls or collisions can cause bone injuries, especially in the lower limb.
Common Snowboarding Injuries
Wrist Fractures and Sprains: Snowboarders instinctively put their hands out when falling, which makes wrist injuries very common.
Shoulder Dislocations: A fall onto the arm or shoulder can cause dislocations or rotator cuff injuries.
Ankle Injuries (Snowboarder’s Ankle): Unique to snowboarding, this fracture occurs due to the position of the foot in the boot during certain falls.
How to Help Prevent These Injuries
While not all accidents are avoidable, you can reduce your risk by preparing your body and being mindful on the slopes:
Pre-season conditioning: Strengthen key muscle groups such as quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core to support stability.
Flexibility & Mobility: Stretching and mobility work help keep joints supple and ready for the demands of skiing and snowboarding.
Protective Gear: Wrist guards (for snowboarders), helmets, and properly fitted boots/bindings are essential.
Warm up and cool down: Taking 10–15 minutes to get your body moving before hitting the slopes reduces muscle strain risk.
Know your limits: Fatigue is one of the biggest contributors to injuries. Rest when needed.
How Physiotherapy Helps with Recovery
If an injury does occur, physiotherapy plays a vital role in getting you back on your feet – and ideally back on the slopes:
Accurate Assessment: A physiotherapist can assess the mechanics of your injury and identify the underlying causes (such as muscle imbalance or movement patterns).
Biomechanical Treatment: Hands-on therapy, joint mobilisations, and tailored exercise plans address pain, restore movement, and rebuild strength.
Sport-Specific Rehab: Your rehab programme will include ski/snowboard-specific drills – balance, agility, and functional strength – to get you slope-ready.
Injury Prevention for the Future: A physio can also advise on training strategies, movement corrections, and conditioning exercises to reduce the chance of re-injury.
Final Thoughts
Skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating sports, but they do carry risks. With the right preparation, equipment, and awareness, you can minimise the chance of injury. And if you do find yourself hurt after a trip, physiotherapy can make all the difference in helping you recover quickly, restore your confidence, and prepare you for future adventures on the slopes.