The British invented downhill skiing in 1912. So, there’s no surprise that skiing is a popular sport for them.
According to Statistica, in 2020/21 the UK had 6,34 million skiers with 10% of people who ski in the UK. The most popular skiing destination worldwide was the Alps.1
There’s a lot to love as you fly down the slopes on skis. The snowy scenery and mountains, fresh air, exercise, challenge, and of course the adrenaline rush, all make a superb ski package. However, skiing is a potentially hazardous sport. In this article, we consider the most common ski injuries and the measures you can take to try to prevent them.
How frequently do ski injuries happen?
A recent article that studied the injury patterns among recreational skiers in China, estimated the incidence of injury to be 1.98 per 1000 skier days. It was found that the incidence of skiing injuries in China was similar to other countries.2
What are the most common ski injuries?
Statistica found the knee to be the weak point of skiers on the French slopes during the 2019/2020 season with 32 percent of skiers' injuries due to knee sprains. Moreover, lower limbs are at high risk of injury for skiers, with more than 50 percent of leg and knee injuries, including ACL/MCL ruptures and sprains.
Shoulder injuries (sprains, fractures, rotator cuff tears, and dislocations) accounted for 15%; upper extremity injuries 14% (arm, wrist, and thumb sprains and fractures); spine, pelvis, and thorax injuries 10%; and head trauma and wounds 5%.3
What are the main causes of ski injuries?
Some things can make you more likely to have a skiing injury. These include:
· Lack of fitness
· Fatigue (time skiing without rest) and dehydration
· Poor judgment (skiing beyond your ability level; going off-piste or out-of-bounds)
· Improper/faulty/poor fitting equipment
· Failure to observe posted warning signs
· Lack of professional training/lessons
· Inconsiderate or uncontrolled beginner skiing style of other skiers and snowboarders.
Tips to prevent ski injuries
To help keep you safe on the slopes, here are some tips to avoid injury:
1. Be physically fit - skiing can be very exerting on your body. It uses a lot of different muscle groups that are primarily in your legs. Doing exercises to increase your fitness and the condition of your body and core muscles can help to prevent injury.
2. Warm up before skiing - cold muscles are at a greater risk for injury. Gently stretch your muscles before you head down the mountain. Also, start on easier and slower runs to start your ski day.
3. Wear a helmet - a properly fitting helmet can reduce your risk of a ski head injury if you fall. They can protect you if you collide with someone on the slopes.
4. Stay hydrated - dehydration can cause tiredness, so make sure you're properly hydrated throughout the day.
5. Don't drink alcohol and ski - alcohol can dehydrate you and impair your judgement. It may result in you taking more risks.
6. Rest when you’re tired - injuries are more likely when you’re tired. Most injuries happen after lunchtime when fatigue sets in.
7. Have the right kit - if you’re hiring ski equipment, make sure it fits properly and that your skis are the right length for your skill level and where you intend to ski. If you have your own equipment, make sure to maintain it well.
8. Wear layers of clothing – waterproof and windproof clothing keeps your body warm.
9. Protect yourself from the sun – wear sunglasses and/or goggles to protect your eyes and sunscreen to protect exposed skin. UV rays from the sun are amplified as they reflect off the snow and are stronger at higher elevations.
10. Take ski lessons if you’re a beginner or infrequent skier – lessons can increase your confidence, familiarise you with new slopes, and improve your technique.
11. Ski to your ability – practice skiing on routes that match your ability and move up only when you’re confident to do so.
Treatment for a ski injury
If you sustain an injury on the piste, you should seek medical assistance immediately. Contact the resort’s emergency service. They will be able to help you off the piste and they will know the nearest hospital.
Often patients don’t want to stay abroad for a long time and wish to continue their treatment in their home country. It’s usually possible to travel back to the UK with your injury. You can then seek a full diagnosis and treatment. However, if you have a broken bone, you should stabilise the break before travelling.
Once home, you can swiftly arrange a full diagnosis and treatment plan for your skiing injury at your local Ramsay hospital. We have a wide range of experts (radiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and physiotherapists) and specialist equipment to optimally diagnose and treat your ski injury.
References
1 https://www.statista.com/statistics/801047/europe-share-of-population-skiing-by-country/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7684805/
3 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1179557/injuries-skiers-france/