The Most Common Ski & Snowboard Injuries—and How to Prevent Them
- The Patch Team
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
There’s nothing like carving down fresh powder on a crisp Vermont morning. Skiing and snowboarding bring freedom, challenge, and plenty of adrenaline—but they also come with risks. Every winter, athletes at all levels find themselves sidelined with injuries that could have been reduced—or even prevented—with the right preparation.
At Snow Beast in Williston, we work with skiers and snowboarders to build resilience before, during, and after the season. Whether you’re hitting your first green trail or charging black diamonds, understanding the most common injuries and how to prevent them can keep you on the mountain longer.
The Injuries We See Most on the Slopes
While every fall, twist, or crash looks different, patterns emerge. These are the injuries that most often send skiers and snowboarders into the clinic:
ACL tears: Skiers are particularly vulnerable due to the torque created when skis catch or twist. ACL injuries can take months to recover from and often require surgery.
MCL sprains: Often caused by awkward landings or collisions, these can range from mild to severe.
Shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff injuries: Common in snowboarders who brace their falls with an outstretched arm.
Wrist fractures: Especially common among snowboarders, as instinct leads riders to catch themselves during a fall.
Concussions: Falls and collisions can lead to head injuries, highlighting the importance of helmets and body control.
Low back strain: Hours on the slopes in a crouched, reactive stance can fatigue the core and stress the spine.
While some accidents are unavoidable, many of these injuries stem from poor mobility, lack of strength, or inefficient mechanics—areas physical therapy can directly address.
Why Physical Therapy Is Key to Ski Injury Prevention
Physical therapy isn’t just about rehab after an accident—it’s one of the best tools for preventing injuries in the first place. Skiing and snowboarding demand strength, stability, endurance, and quick reaction time. Without those, the body can’t respond effectively when the terrain gets unpredictable.
Here’s how PT helps reduce your risk:
Mobility training: Improves hip, ankle, and thoracic spine range of motion so you can move fluidly.
Strength development: Targets the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core—muscles that absorb force and protect joints.
Balance and proprioception drills: Teach the body to react quickly when the ground shifts or skis catch.
Landing mechanics: Reinforce safe strategies for absorbing jumps, bumps, and sudden stops.
Endurance programming: Keeps you strong through the last run of the day, when fatigue usually strikes.
By preparing your body for the stresses of the slopes, physical therapy helps you ski and ride with more control—and far less risk of ending your season early.
How Snow Beast Prepares Skiers and Riders in Williston
At Snow Beast, we specialize in ski-specific physical therapy and training for Vermont athletes. Our approach blends manual therapy, individualized movement assessments, and strength programming built for the unique demands of skiing and snowboarding.
Here’s what our programs include:
Preseason prep: Targeted exercises to build the strength, mobility, and endurance needed before the first snowfall.
In-season support: Strategies to manage fatigue, maintain performance, and reduce wear and tear between sessions.
Recovery services: Hands-on care and guided movement to keep tissues healthy and joints resilient.
Personalized plans: One-on-one coaching based on your history, skill level, and goals on the mountain.
Whether you’re aiming to prevent re-injury, build confidence after a fall, or simply keep your body performing at its best, we’ll help you ride stronger all winter long.
Ski Longer, Ride Stronger—Without the Setbacks
The mountain will always bring challenges—ice patches, hidden bumps, unpredictable falls. But when your body is prepared, you’re ready to handle them. With the right combination of physical therapy and performance training, you can enjoy more days on the slopes with less risk of being sidelined.
At Snow Beast in Williston, we’re passionate about helping skiers and snowboarders stay healthy, resilient, and confident. Don’t wait until after an injury to take your body seriously. Let’s build strength, stability, and endurance now—so you can keep chasing the thrill of the mountain all season long.
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