Skiing: Be aware of the risks so you don’t spoil the fun

Regardless of experience level, skiing stimulates many parts of the body and significantly improves long-term health. However, there are distinct differences between downhill and cross-country skiing.

While one might imagine that skiing or snowboarding requires mainly technique and motor skills, these activities are actually much more demanding and thus more beneficial to our health than they appear.

1. Develops proprioception
   The proprioceptive system allows us to sense the position of our various body parts and their movements in space. It provides our nervous system with the necessary cues to move and maintain our balance. Thus, the body’s constant adaptation to the terrain, texture of the snow and obstacles during descents improves reflexes and neurological reactivity.
2. Strengthens bones and joints
   Going downhill requires a lot of effort from the knees and hips, which, in addition to supporting our weight, must frequently initiate changes in direction. These efforts strengthen the muscles and joints of the lower body. In the long run, this sport can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and knee damage.
3. Improves the cardiopulmonary system
   It’s all a question of intensity and duration to evaluate the long-term benefits. The faster the speed, the greater the strain on the heart. However, even at a moderate pace, the benefits are equivalent to practicing sports like cycling and rowing.

The different skills required for downhill skiing offer an excellent combination of endurance and strength. Skiing also works more parts of the body than most other sports for the same amount of time.[1]

With 800,000 Quebecers practicing snow sports, there are about 16,000 medical visits per year to treat injuries.

Not surprisingly, most cuts and injuries are caused by falls. The ease of reaching high speeds and the possibility of performing jumps or acrobatics mean that falls are rarely harmless when they occur.

A study by the ministère de l'Éducation du Québec classified the following injuries in order of frequency to determine which ones are most common:

1. Sprains (mainly the knee)
2. Simple fractures (often the tibia)
3. Bruises
4. Cuts
5. Dislocations (mostly the thumbs and shoulders)
6. Concussions (especially in snowboarders)
7. Scrapes
8. Internal injuries
9. Others

As with many other sports, especially outdoor sports, several factors increase the risk of falls or injuries.

1. The environment can change the skiing conditions. The danger varies depending on the weather, visibility, snow conditions and the type and layout of the trails.
2. The quality of the equipment (skis, clothes, boots) can impact the activity.
3. Personal attributes play a role in how you ski. Physical condition, skill level, age and risk tolerance all play a role in how you approach the sport and assess the danger.

The Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec research shows that the average age of injured skiers is 23.7 years old, and for snowboarders, the age is 16.8 years old. When asked, they admit to being the cause of the fall more than 70% of the time.

The study tends to show that inexperience is a significant risk factor for skiing accidents, especially if combined with a reckless attitude.[3],[4]

Even if cross-country skiing is considered less risky than downhill skiing, it is not without its dangers. Falls can also occur, especially going down slopes, and cause various traumas. Poor technique can also create musculoskeletal repercussions and injuries. On the other hand, poor weather conditions or inadequate equipment can lead to dehydration, hypothermia and frostbite.