Dr. Vera Kinzel | Sydney Orthopaedic Surgeon | Knee-, Shoulder- and Elbow Surgery | It’s almost ski and snowboard season. Are you ready to get back on the hill? Here are a few tips to keep you injury free this winter

Prepare your body for the season
One of the biggest mistakes that skiers and snowboarders make is jumping right back into the sport after an off-season of not much physical activity. If you spent most of the summer counting down the days until you could get back out onto the slopes and not doing much else, it’s a good idea to ease back into the sport. Don’t start with an entire day at the ski hill; this will stress the muscles that you haven’t used since last winter and that could lead to injury (the last thing that you want on week one of the season.)
Image 1. Recruiting strategy
2. Wear the proper protective gear
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you can take to the ski hill. Head injuries are, unfortunately, common among skiers and snowboarders. In fact, according to recent studies, they account for about 20% of all skiing and snowboarding injuries. Wearing a helmet will go a long way in ensuring that you don’t end up in that boat. Additionally, a lot of skiers and snowboarders wear body armor for extra protection, and ensuring that your bindings and skis or board fit you properly will help to prevent injury as well.
Image 2. Recruiting strategy
3. Be aware of common injuries for skiers and snowboarders
If you know the injuries that skiers and snowboarders commonly sustain, you’ll be better equipped to identify those injuries if they pop up. For skiers, ACL and hand injuries are common. Snowboarders are more likely to injure their wrist or ankle and frequently suffer from shoulder dislocations. Both skiers and snowboarders can fall victim to lower back, knee, and muscle strains and pulls.
ACL and hand injuries are common

Prepare your body for the season

2. Wear the proper protective gear

3. Be aware of common injuries for skiers and snowboarders