Common Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries

Both skiing and snowboarding can result in sports injuries, but they tend to have slightly different injury patterns. Skiers are more likely to have knee injuries (from twisting motion during falls), and snowboarders tend to have more upper body injuries (as a result of falling on an outstretched hand). There are also many injuries common to both types of winter athletes.

Preventing Injuries
The best way to prevent skiing or snowboarding injuries is with proper conditioning programs that are begun before you hit the slopes. See:

• Skiing | Snowboarding Conditioning Exercises
• Spring Skiing and Snowboarding Safety Tips

Common Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries

Knee

• Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL/PCL)Injuries
• Injuries to the Meniscus

Head

• Concussion

Neck and Shoulder

• Shoulder Fracture (Fractured Calvicle)
  
• Torn Rotator Cuff
  
• Shoulder Separation
• Shoulder Dislocation
• Whip Lash
• Neck Strain
• Shoulder Fracture (Fractured Calvicle)

Hand

• Skier’s Thumb
• Colles Wrist Fracture
• Wrist Sprains
• Finger Fractures
• Wrist tendinitis

Back

• Muscle Strains of the Back
• Low Back Pain
• Herniated Disks
• Backaches and Stress

Other Injuries

• Frost Bite and Hypothermia
  
• Sprains and Strains
  
• Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
  

Get in Shape for Skiing and Snowboarding

• Skiing and Snowboarding Conditioning Exercises
• Body Weight Workout - Great for Skiers

Injury Prevention Tips for Skiing and Snowboarding

• Wear Wrist Guards
  
• Wear a Helmet
  
• Dress for Winter Exercise
  
• More Safety Tips from Skiing.about.com