Ski resorts across the Inland Northwest opened early this year, and with hearty snowfall in the long-term forecast, this ski and snowboard season is shaping up to be one of the best. But a lack of preparation could cut your fun short with an injury or accident.
Whether you’re a first-timer hitting the bunny slope or a seasoned snowboarder navigating a triple-black-diamond course, safety should always come first. To help you enjoy every powder-filled run without worry, we asked Northwest Specialty Hospital for their best advice on staying injury-free this season.
How common are ski and snowboard injuries?
They’re more common than you might think. Hospital emergency rooms nationwide treated more than 124,000 winter-sports-related injuries in 2022, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. A majority (53%) of those injuries came from skiing and snowboarding.
Sprains, dislocations, and fractures are among the most common injuries. More than one-third (36%) of all winter sports injuries involve the wrists, hands, and fingers.
Here at Northwest Specialty Hospital, our board-certified orthopedic experts assess and treat these types of winter sports injuries most frequently:
- Knee injuries, including medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Wrist sprains and fractures
- Shoulder dislocations and clavicle fractures
- Skier’s thumb, caused by falling while holding ski poles
How to stay safe skiing and snowboarding
Many of the injuries our orthopedic team treats are preventable. Give yourself the best chance for an enjoyable, injury-free winter with these ski and snowboard safety tips.
Dress for success
Begin planning for a safe day before you leave home. Experts recommend dressing in layers, including:
- A base layer (such as a long-sleeve thermal top or leggings) to wick away moisture and keep you dry and warm
- A middle layer (such as a fleece or polyester jacket) to retain heat
- An outer layer that’s waterproof and breathable, such as a ski jacket or snowboarding pants
Also, wear bright colors so you can always be seen by other skiers and borders.
Use proper equipment
Always wear a ski helmet—and not a bicycle helmet—on the slopes. Also, wear goggles and gloves. Snowboarders will get maximum protection by using wrist, arm, and shin guards. When it comes to ski and snowboarding equipment, it’s best to use your own skis and boards instead of renting them. Doing so will ensure you’re using properly fitted equipment and lessen your risk of injury. Check your skis and boards before you leave the house to ensure they’re free from dirt between the boots and bindings.
Stretch those muscles (pre- and post-run)
When the weather is cold, muscles get tight. That’s why it’s wise to stretch for at least 5 to 10 minutes before your first run and for another 5 to 10 minutes once you’re done skiing or boarding for the day. Warmup exercises like toe touches, arm circles, leaning from side to side, lifting your knees waist-high, or walking lunges will increase your flexibility and reduce your chances of an injury.
Know the rules
Popular local resorts like Schweitzer Mountain, Silver Mountain, and Lookout Pass post codes of conduct on their websites. These codes cover a host of important safety topics, including information about how to stay aware of other skiers and boarders. By reviewing the code before you leave—and by obeying all posted signs while you’re at the resort—you’ll significantly reduce your risk of collisions, which are the cause of the most serious skiing injuries.
Take a lesson (and learn how to fall the right way)
The biggest reason hand, wrist, and finger injuries happen most often is that skiers and snowboarders don’t know the proper way to fall. The wrong way to fall is to brace yourself with your arms in front of you. Doing so puts extra stress on your elbows and increases the odds of an arm or wrist fracture. When you take ski or snowboarding lessons, a professional will show you the right way to fall by using your shoulder, knees, or buttocks. You’ll also learn other valuable tips, including how to stop and turn safely.
Know your limits
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, don’t let your buddies talk you into trying a more advanced run. Ski or snowboard only in areas where you’re comfortable and stop when you’re tired. Don’t try to ski or board through the pain if you feel any soreness, especially in the feet or lower legs. Doing so could increase your chances of suffering a stress fracture, which will keep you on the sidelines for the rest of the season.
Ski and snowboard responsibly
Never ski alone, and don’t ski or snowboard while drinking alcohol. Also, stay weather-aware so you’re prepared for incoming storms, snow squalls, or falling temperatures. Drink plenty of water to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Avoid the ‘one last run’ trap
Too often, we see patients at Northwest Specialty Hospital who say they suffered a ski injury on the last run of the day. It’s an important reminder that injuries are more likely to occur when you’re fatigued, which slows your reaction time. So, if you say to yourself, “Let’s do one last run,” it might be better to call it a day instead.
What to do if you have an accident on the slopes
Keep your cell phone with you in a waterproof pouch so you can call Ski Patrol in the event of an accident. Stick your skis, poles, or snowboard in cross formation above the injured skier to direct others away from the scene. Make a mental note of the potential injury type and location and stay on the scene until help arrives.
If you’re hurt on the slopes and experience significant swelling, severe pain, or can’t put weight on the injured area, it’s wise to see an orthopedic surgeon. Northwest Specialty Hospital offers an expert team of more than a dozen board-certified specialists in orthopedics. We provide non-surgical and surgical treatments for injuries of the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, feet and ankles.
With four locations in Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, you can find expert ski injury care near you.