As with any athletic endeavor, skiing- and snowboarding-related injuries are pretty common. Both are excellent core exercises that require speed, strength, balance, and flexibility. However, evidence reveals that skiers and snowboarders use their bodies differently, as seen by the distinct injuries they sustain. Wrist, shoulder, and ankle injuries are prevalent on snowboards, while knee ligament injuries are common on skis.
Injuries can happen to anyone—professionals included; hence, the importance of observing some precautions on the slopes regardless of your degree of experience. You can avoid injuries and enjoy these sports more if you keep these skiing and snowboarding safety tips in mind.
Frequent Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries
Injuries to the head
Skiing or snowboarding-related head injuries have been on the rise in recent years, and they can be inflicted by colliding with the surface, other sliders, or obstructions along the side of the run.
For the past two decades, wearing ski and snowboard helmets has become the norm. We recommend that you protect your head by wearing your helmet at all times while on the slopes.
Injuries to the lower legs
If a skier falls while wearing a hard boot, the chance of a tibia or fibula fracture increases. Luckily, ski bindings are designed to disengage before enough pressure is exerted on the lower leg to fracture it.
Before hitting the slopes, ensure your bindings are properly adjusted for your height, weight, and skill level. If you’re unsure what your setting should be, go to a ski shop or rental shop and have a professional adjust your bindings properly.
Injuries to the shoulders
New skiers and snowboarders are more prone to shoulder dislocations, especially when bracing for a fall. While there isn’t much you can do to avoid every misstep on the slopes, we recommend enrolling in some ski and snowboard lessons so you’ll know how to balance properly and, yes, even how to fall the right way.
Injuries to the wrist
If you enjoy snowboarding, we recommend investing in a pair of wrist guards to help support your wrists when you fall. While skiers use poles to help them balance, snowboarders will have to ride down the slopes without any balancing implements. This makes them more prone to wrist injuries as they tend to use their arms and hands to break their fall.
Injuries to the knees
Knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament tears, are one of the most common risks associated with skiing. Any efforts you can take to strengthen and protect your knees are well worth considering. Moreover, you should also ensure your bindings are appropriately configured so that they don’t release too early or too late.
Skiing and Snowboarding Safety Tips
The easiest solution to deal with injury is to avoid it altogether. While accidents are not always avoidable, skiers and snowboarders can take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of sport-related injury.
1. Do some warm-ups.
The ideal way to avoid skiing or snowboarding injuries is to start with some fitness routines before hitting the slopes. You should stretch and warm up before heading down the slope since cold muscles are more likely to get injured.
2. Take some lessons if you are a beginner.
Beginners should take lessons from a trained instructor who will teach them how to fall safely and limit their possibility of injury. To avoid most of the problems mentioned above, a ski instructor can teach you how to stop on a snowboard safely, how to get up the correct way if you fall while wearing skis, and some safe falling techniques.
3. Wear the proper gear.
Wear adequate snowboarding equipment, such as helmets, goggles, and wrist guards. Helmets can help lessen the likelihood of a serious head injury. Children should wear helmets and bring a ski and snowboard bag designed for skiing and snowboarding for kids.
4. Eat and drink adequately.
Skiing and snowboarding are strenuous activities, and staying hydrated is incredibly crucial while you’re at high altitude. You may avoid feeling weak or sick during your ski session by drinking enough water and eating a balanced lunch or snack beforehand.
5. Don’t Go Skiing Alone
Always have a friend or family member to go with you on the slopes. That’s because in the event a ski-or snowboard related injury renders you incapacitated, a companion can call for help or even administer first aid.
6. Keep within your limitations.
If you are a beginner, start with the easier slopes and work your way up to the more challenging ones. Naturally, people feel the urge to keep up with their peers or even brag at times. However, you jeopardize yourself and others if you try to exceed your ability level.
7. Keep your equipment and gear in their proper storage.
Keep your equipment and gear in their proper bag or storage after skiing or snowboarding. Put everything in a ski and snowboard storage rack to prevent other people from tripping on it if you leave it anywhere else. Additionally, it would be much easier to find everything when you go for another run the next day.
Conclusion
Even if the survey data on skiing and snowboarding injuries may intimidate you at first, you may take precautions to enjoy engaging in the sport. Skiing confidently and avoiding injury is possible if you are well-prepared with the necessary equipment and familiarize yourself with the skiing and snowboarding safety tips mentioned above.
Have Fun Skiing and Snowboarding Safely at New Denver Lodge.
Keep these skiing and snowboarding safety tips in mind before you hit the slopes for an amazing escape in New Denver Lodge. Experience nature, enjoy the sport, and relax through the weekend in this breathtaking destination with all the amenities you and your family will need for your well-deserved vacation.
