Skiing looks irresistible: speed, mountains, freedom. But doctors see another side of the story: many beginners start their season… with injuries.
Sprains, bruises, torn ligaments, fractures — most of them happen not because the slope is dangerous, but because people start the wrong way, DKNews.kz reports.
Here’s what explains Dr. Aleksei Shishkin, PhD, assistant professor of rehabilitation, sports medicine and physical culture at the Pirogov University Institute of Preventive Medicine.
Rule #1: a ski instructor is not a luxury — it’s your safety net
Most beginners think:
“I’ll figure it out myself.”
That’s exactly where the problems begin.
Self-teaching usually locks in bad habits. Mistakes become routine — and falls become sharp and unpredictable.
A professional instructor will:
- teach proper stance and weight distribution,
- show how to fall safely,
- explain how to brake and control speed,
- keep you away from dangerous parts of the slope.
In other words, an instructor is your first layer of protection.
Rule #2: the right gear prevents half of all injuries
Ski gear is not about fashion — it’s about physics and anatomy.
Boots
They must be fitted by a specialist.
- snug, but not painful,
- firm ankle support,
- no sliding inside.
Loose boots are dangerous. Tight boots hurt and injure.
Skis and bindings
They must be adjusted to:
- your weight,
- your height,
- your skill level.
Proper bindings release during a fall — and that prevents leg fractures and ligament tears.
Helmet — non-negotiable
No helmet, no skiing.
It protects you from head injuries and concussions.
Goggles
Not an accessory — a safety tool.
They:
- improve visibility,
- protect from wind and snow,
- block UV exposure.
Rule #3: progress slowly, not bravely
The biggest rookie mistake is jumping onto steep slopes right away.
Start with:
- learning slopes,
- gentle terrain,
- “green” trails.
Your body needs time to adapt:
- leg muscles,
- core,
- knees,
- balance.
Why pre-training matters
If before skiing you:
- strengthened your legs,
- trained balance,
- built endurance — the slopes will be fun, not stress.
Tired means unsafe
Fatigue is the enemy of technique.
Once you feel:
- sloppy movements,
- heavy legs,
- loss of focus — take a break.
Pushing through fatigue is the shortest way to injury.
Slope etiquette: discipline saves lives
A few rules make a huge difference:
- always look uphill before starting,
- don’t cut across someone’s line,
- leave space when overtaking,
- don’t stop in blind spots.
On the slope you are responsible for yourself — and for others.
Skiing is amazing. But only when excitement goes hand-in-hand with common sense.
- instructor first
- proper gear matters
- slow progress builds confidence
- rest before you risk
- discipline keeps everyone safe
That’s how skiing becomes joy and health — not a one-way ticket to the ER.
