It’s fantastic news the ski fields are opening this year and it is shaping up to be a very unique type of season. Unfortunately, it is an all too frequent occurrence seeing the many significant injuries sustained on the ski fields.

‍

Accidents happen, but there are many injury risk factors that we should be avoiding. Even the most conditioned athlete and seasoned skier can still have their season ended and future sporting endeavours affected by a significant injury.

‍

Here are the common injury risk factors:

‍

1. Inadequate pre-season conditioning
2. Tiredness (often related to lack rest in the skiing/boarding day) we frequently see those who are frustrated with themselves “it was my last run of the day and I knew I should have called it quits earlier)
3. Equipment error - poor fitting, faulty, or improper equipment
4. Poor judgement (not noticing warning signs, doing runs beyond ability level, going off-trail or out of bounds)
5. Dehydration / poor nutrition

‍

So, how can we prepare for the snow season? Incorporate a ‘prepare to ski’ programme before hitting the slopes. Here are ten tips on how to prevent injury.

‍

1. Start an aerobic and strength programme a few months before. Building a good level of aerobic fitness (running, walking, cycling) in conjunction with a strength programme is crucial. Quad strength (even simple squats, wall sits and lunges) involving both static and dynamic exercises with a large eccentric component is advised, then progressing to plyometric exercises involving jumping, landing and proprioception training. This, as well as a mobility/ stretching programme, will help make those first few weeks of skiing far more enjoyable, and hopefully safer! Seeing a physiotherapist with a good handle on ski injury prevention is a good place to get advice for this.
2. Optimise your equipment. Make sure you have good quality equipment, and that it fits you. Get your skis and bindings serviced and checked by an expert prior to ski season.
3. Get protective equipment. if you are snowboarding wear wrist guards. If wearing soft boots, consider ankle supports. Have the appropriate length skis. Everyone should be wearing a helmet and have good lenses on your goggles to aid visibility.
4. Warm-up when you get up the mountain. All too frequently we go from the car, in minus degree temperatures, straight into skiing. Don’t be afraid to park slightly further away from the top car park to allow a good walk to get the blood flowing. Spend at least five minutes doing some of the strength drills and stretching programme (even as simple as some gentle squats and lunges and some mobility) before heading up the chair.
5. Schedule time off the hill. It is not uncommon for DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) to occur day 2-3 into the first ski week of the year. Perhaps scheduling in a half day at some point early on is a good plan to let the body adapt to the first few days!
6. Take lots of breaks during the day. Enjoy a morning tea and lunch break. Water breaks are Often in cold weather we drink less water than usual, so hydrating well is important.
7. Stick to your own ability level. It’s easy to get dragged into a race with mates, doing some jumps because others are, or going off trail which may be beyond your proficiency.
8. Book a lesson if it’s been a while. A trained instructor can be most helpful in preventing injury as teaching optimal technique, and good falling patterns are helpful.
9. Keep warm. Proper warm, waterproof clothing with wool or polypropylene layers.
10. Trust your gut. If your body has had enough, and think one more run is pushing it – please listen!

‍

If you do have the misfortune to get in trouble on the mountain make sure you or your ski buddy flag down the ski patrol. The universal sign of two skis crossed in front of each other are an important flag to others on the mountain- both for flagging help, and also getting others to slow down around the area.

‍

See you on the slopes

‍