Ski Tips from Summit Orthopedics

These ski tips will help keep you safe on the slopes.

ski injury prevention

Ski injury prevention addresses a range of potential skiing injuries

The Summit physicians on the official medical team for the Afton Alps and Team Afton skiers have tips to help you safely enjoy this popular winter sport. “At Summit, providing education about sport safety and injury prevention is our highest priority,” says Dr. Skendzel. “Drs. Rupke, Warner, Su, and I have safety tips that will benefit skiers of every age and every level of experience.”

Choose the right equipment

Use boots and bindings that have been maintained following American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. “Check the binding of each ski and make sure they are adjusted to your height, weight, and skiing ability,” advises Dr. Rupke. “Bindings that are too tight will not release and increase the risk of knee ligament injuries and leg fractures. Bindings that are too loose can be hazardous as well; they could release prematurely.”

“I encourage snowboarders to wear wrist guards,” adds Dr. Su. “Wrist guards can help prevent many of the minor injuries I treat. More importantly, wrist guards can lessen the seriousness of more severe injuries.”

Always wear a sport-specific helmet and goggles. “Although they can’t eliminate injury risk, they can decrease injury severity by minimizing face, head, and spine injuries,” explains Dr. Brent Warner.

Dress for cold weather

Wear several layers of light, loose, water- and wind-resistant clothing.

Don’t neglect your warm-up

“Cold muscles are more prone to injury,” warns Dr. Warner. “Jumping jacks, a few minutes of running or walking, or a few easy ski runs are good ways to prepare for more demanding runs. And don’t forget to drink water before, during, and after skiing. Being dehydrated can increase your risk of injury.”

Learn ski lift safety

Before your outing, know how to properly get on and off a lift.

Know the safety rules of the ski resort

Review resort guidelines and general safety rules of skiing. These include knowing how to safely stop, merge, and yield to other skiers.

Take ski lessons

“This is especially important for new skiers,” notes Dr. Su. “It may seem obvious, but the sooner you can learn to control yourself on skis or a snowboard, the less likely it is that you will fall. Even experienced skiers can improve by taking a lesson.”

Assess your skill level and know when to call it a day

Make sure you are in good physical condition. “If you aren’t at the top of your game, take that into account when you choose your ski run,” suggests Dr. Warner. “Start with less challenging runs and build your way up as your strength and endurance improve. Stop skiing when you are tired or in pain. Many ski injuries occur at the end of the day, when athletes try to get one more run in against their better judgment.”

Skiing is an exhilarating sport that can be safely enjoyed by beginners as well as experienced competitors. “With the proper equipment, training, and an understanding of the rules for safety on the slopes, skiing is a terrific activity for the entire family,” says Dr. Skendzel. “All of us at Summit are honored to offer ski injury prevention tips to help everyone make the most of Minnesota’s skiing season.”

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive sports medicine expertise

From Olympians to pro athletes to kids in youth sports and those that just want to be more active—Summit Orthopedics delivers expert care by fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians. If you are recently injured or concerned about ongoing pain, Summit Orthopedics sports medicine specialists have the expertise to evaluate your discomfort and develop a plan to quickly and safely help you get back to being active.

Start your journey to stronger, healthier athletic condition. Find your sports medicine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a sports medicine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, Plymouth, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as several additional community clinics.

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  • Jack Skendzel, M.D.

    “An active lifestyle requires superior physical function, and I understand that my patients have exceptionally high standards for their performance and joint health. My goal is to return patients to optimal function so that they can continue to perform and master their personal athletic goals.”

    More about this expert

  • Edward Su MD

    Edward Su, M.D.

    “Driving, cooking, bathing, using tools, computers, and playing sports. We interact with the world largely through our hands, and I appreciate the importance of staying active and pain free.”

    More about this expert

  • Tracy Rupke MD

    Tracy Rupke, M.D.

    “I am dedicated to providing the best care possible for my patients. I love running and understand every patient’s desire to return to their own life and activities.”

    More about this expert

  • Brent Warner MD

    Brent Warner, M.D.

    “As an athlete, I understand the profound impact that an injury can have on a patient’s life and well-being. My goal is to return people to activity as quickly and safely as possible, whether that’s training for an ultramarathon or walking the dog around the block.”

    More about this expert

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