As thrilling as it is, hurtling down an icy mountain strapped to thin plastic planks, or a single board, has its dangers, even for the experienced skier or snowboarder. However, the right preparation, equipment, and dealing with the issue correctly when it occurs can mitigate the risk and ensure a slope safe winter.

While skiers and snowboarders share the same space, injuries and potential dangers can be very different.

Skiers are most prone to injuries to the knees with torn ligaments, such as Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) ruptures. The best way to avoid knee injury is good technique and strengthening.

Snowboarders are at increased risk of upper body injuries, typically the wrist and shoulder, because the feet are fixed to the same board and an instinct to stretch out a hand to break a fall increases the risk of a fracture. Ankle injuries also occur.

The best thing you can do to reduce your chance of a wrist fracture (or indeed any other injury while snowboarding) is to learn how to fall properly and wear specialist wrist guards to limit, or prevent, injury.

Head injuries are one of the most serious types of injury on the slopes regardless of sport and are caused by everything from collisions to falls. 

The risk with head injuries is that what may seem to be a light bump can actually result in a severe concussion. Any head injury should be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. 

Top tips to avoid an injury

1. Take lessons

The better your technique, the less chance you’ll put undue strain on your joints.

2. Get the right kit

Have your ski or board bindings set up by a pro because, if your bindings are incorrectly adjusted, or you borrow a friend’s skis, you’re more likely to injure your knees. In the hire shop, provide an accurate weight and estimate of your ability and don’t use boards or skis that are too short or long.

3. Have a rest day

Ignore the “first lift / last lift” banter and take a break. You're likely to get more from your holiday. Why? Because the highest risk of an accident is after 3pm on day three of your holiday as muscle fatigue reaches its peak 48 hours after you hit the slopes.

4. Take the lift at the end of the day

Later in the day, you’ll be tired, the pistes may be icy and crowded, and there will possibly be bare patches in the snow – all of which are risk factors for injury. So take the lift down and avoid the crowded home run.

5. Control your weight

Good advice for life is to maintain a healthy weight. It’s also good to prevent injuries. The heavier you are, the more strain you put on your knees and the harder you fall.

6. Keep within your comfort zone

Control is good, bravado is bad, and icy moguls – especially if you already have any damage to your knees – are a menace. Mogul falls can result in serious injury, especially to the shoulder in firm conditions.

7. Minimise alcohol at lunchtime

Alcohol slows your reactions and makes you more reckless.

8. Be careful getting off the chairlift

It’s easy to fall when trying to get off a chairlift. We also see many people who’ve ruptured their knee ligaments when the person next to them falls across their skis. Choose who you ride on the lift with carefully.

9. Ski off-peak

The quieter the slopes, the less danger there’ll be of being called on to take sudden evasive action. If your ability allows, learn to ski off-piste where it’s often quieter. Do make sure you learn about the risks before going off-piste and have the correct equipment and insurance.

10. Don't wear a knee brace but do wear wrist guards if you snowboard

We recommend knee braces only for a small number of people. These include skiers returning to the sport with an old or partially healed ligament injury (they might want to use a hinged brace) or those with mild arthritis (who might benefit from a neoprene sleeve).

Otherwise, skiing without a brace improves the ability of the muscles around the knee to respond effectively to the different stresses and strains.

Wrist guards for snowboarding are useful and significantly reduce incidents of wrist fractures.

11. Seek advice immediately after injury

Clinics in ski resorts are versed in treating ski injuries. Above all, do not ski with an injury – get it checked out. Even though it might be tempting to carry on skiing through an injury, ignoring it may result in a longer lay-off.

Then, once you are home, speak to your GP.

12. Wear a helmet

Helmets can reduce the severity of mild to moderate head injuries.

Winter sports are great fun, and so they should be. But, it’s crucial to take all steps to mitigate the risk of injury as it’s no fun to be on the couch during a half term break rather than on the slopes, or of course, enjoying the “après ski”.

For further information, or to learn more about our weekly ski clinics and “Return from injury ski days” held in partnership with the Warren Smith Ski Academy, visit www.wimbledonclinics.co.uk