Winter sports carry added risks because of cold, slick surfaces, reduced visibility and sharp equipment. According to 2018 data, skiing and snowboarding accounted for nearly 65% of winter sports injuries. Typical injury types are collisions, stress injuries and falls on an outstretched hand, which can cause wrist sprains or fractures.
Physical therapist Robin Galley, a visiting clinical associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, recommends properly fitted skis, snowboards or skates and clothing that keeps athletes warm while allowing movement. Ill-fitting gear, such as a poor ski boot, may increase crash risk and cause pressure points over time. Some race organisers add pine needles to courses to help athletes judge the ground; changing conditions like melt and refreeze can make helmets and shin guards more important in faster or more dangerous conditions.
Warming up is critical because the body cools quickly. Galley travelled to Torino in January 2025 to support a team of US student athletes and emphasised keeping competitors active between rounds with simple moves like leg swings, squats and light cardio. She also advises knowing personal fitness, doing cross training in the off-season, and allowing rest and supervised rehabilitation to return safely.
Difficult words
- collision — an event where two objects or people hitcollisions
- sprain — injury when a ligament is stretched or tornsprains
- fracture — a break in a bone causing painfractures
- rehabilitation — care to recover strength and normal function
- visibility — how well you can see around you
- slick — very smooth and likely to cause slipping
- ill-fitting — not the right size or shape for someone
- cross training — different exercises used to improve overall fitness
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the warm-up exercises mentioned would you try before a winter sport, and why?
- Have you ever used gear that did not fit well? What problems did you notice and what did you do?
- Why is rest and supervised rehabilitation important after an injury in sports?
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