Skiing is a very popular winter sport, but doesn't come without inherent risk of injury. The most common injuries associated with skiing are the knees (29.9%), head and face (12.1%), shoulders and clavicle (10.5%), and lower back (8.9%). The most common injury types were joint and ligament injury (41.5%), fracture and bone stress (24/4%), concussion (11.1%), and muscle / tendon injury (10.7%). The main causes include collisions, falls, and non-contact injuries. Snow
sport injury is also influenced by skill level, gender, course set up and equipment.
The most common knee injury diagnosis from skiing is damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Through studies it has been shown that physical variables such as core strength, balance, and coordination are strong predictors of ACL injury in skiers. Any strength imbalances between dominant and non-dominant legs is also a strong indicator for ACL injury.
A study observed 456 alpine skiers. 50% underwent intervention which involved an ACL injury prevention video, and an indoor and outdoor exercise programme aimed at improving core stability neuromuscular control. The other 50% underwent no intervention. Overall, there was a 45% reduction in ACL injuries in the study, highlighting the effectiveness of not only strength and conditioning and neuromuscular training, but also injury education and prevention strategies.
Westin, M. et al. (2020). Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Competitive Adolescent Alpine Skiers. Front.Sports Act. Living. 10.3389.