If you ski or snowboard regularly, consider getting a baseline cognitive test before you hit the slopes This simple, 15-minute assessment provides a personalised reference point for your brain function. If you do suffer a head injury, it gives our clinicians a clearer picture of what has changed and when it is safe to return to activity.

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Baseline testing is now available at Axis Sports Medicine and is the same tool used in elite sport, including by high-performance snow sport athletes.

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Why Concussions Happen on the Slopes

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Snow sports carry a real risk of concussion. Falls from speed, difficult terrain, jumps, or contact with fixed objects can all result in head injury. Concussions are particularly common in snowboarders and in those spending time in terrain parks, but the risk is present across all levels of ability.

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Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, slowed thinking, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These signs are not always immediate, and without a structured way to assess them, they can be missed or underestimated.

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Do Helmets Prevent Concussion?

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Helmets are important. They reduce the risk of skull fractures and major head trauma. But it is a common misconception that they prevent concussion. A concussion occurs when the brain moves inside the skull due to acceleration or rotational forces. Helmets do not stop this from happening.

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Think of helmets as essential protective gear, but not a guarantee against brain injury.

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Why Baseline Testing Helps

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Concussion affects how the brain works, not how it looks on a scan. Because of this, we rely on functional assessments to understand the impact and track recovery. Baseline testing allows us to record how your brain performs before injury—things like memory, processing speed, and attention.

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At Axis, we use Cognigram, a validated computer-based tool that provides reliable, objective data. This is the same tool used in professional sport, and it is now available to recreational and community-level athletes through our clinic. It is especially useful for people participating in high-risk sports like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or rugby.

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Early Assessment Makes a Difference

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At Axis we also offer an acute concussion service, which means we can assess you within days of a suspected injury. Early review helps reduce uncertainty and supports safer, more structured recovery. Our team includes sport and exercise medicine physicians with experience in concussion management. We use advanced tools, including force plates and NeuroFlex (a virtual reality assessment platform), to supplement clinical evaluation.

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Whether you live locally or are visiting the South Island, our Queenstown and Christchurch clinics can provide early, evidence-based care.

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What You Can Do

- Book a Cognigram baseline test before the season starts

- Always wear a helmet, but understand its limitations

- Book in to get checked out, if you experience symptoms after a fall

- Take all head injuries seriously, even if symptoms seem mild

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Concussion is common in snow sports but often under-recognised. Baseline testing and early assessment give you and your healthcare team better tools to manage recovery.

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To learn more or to book a baseline cognitive test, head here

- Baseline Screening (Cognigram)

- Acute Sports Concussion Clinic

- Concussion Rehabilitation Service

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