Snowboarding and skiing are fun activities for winter that can involve the entire family. Although the fun is endless, knowing the potential danger involved with both activities is crucial. Knowing the risks associated with skiing and snowboarding can help you minimize the possibility of getting injured. This guide explains common injuries from skiing and snowboarding and provides tips for preventing injuries while snowboarding or skiing this winter. If you suffer an injury while skiing or snowboarding, visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for same-day injury diagnosis and treatment in Centennial, CO.
Common Injuries Associated With Skiing & Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are very different sports that require your body to perform differently. Because of this, there are distinct differences between the common injuries that result in both skiing and snowboarding. This being said, there are some similarities due to the environment in which skiing and snowboarding both take place.
One common risk of both skiing and snowboarding is exposure to the cold. Not wearing the proper layers can lead to hypothermia and even frostbite in some cases. It is important to always ensure you’re dressed warmly enough regardless of how you’re getting down the mountain. Another factor is a lack of experience; beginners frequently fail to recognize the challenge of both snowboarding and skiing, which results in accidents caused by falls and crashes. Regardless of whether you’re a professional or just starting to learn, it is important to always wear a helmet when skiing and snowboarding to protect yourself from serious head injuries.
Which is More Dangerous: Skiing or Snowboarding?
Skiing and snowboarding each have their own risks, in addition to the general risks associated with cold weather and lack of knowledge on the sport. It is difficult to say whether snowboarding is safer or more dangerous than skiing. However, there are certain injuries that are more common for snowboarders compared to skiers due to the orientation of your body on a snowboard vs on skis.
Some common snowboarding injuries include:
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Tailbone injuries
- Cuts and scrapes
- Ankle sprains
- Shoulder dislocations
These kinds of injuries are generally more common for snowboarders than for skiers. This is because of the way you have to recover from a fall when both of your feet are strapped in together on the snowboard, rather than separately on skis. There are fewer ACL-related injuries that result from snowboarding than from skiing because it is harder to strain one knee while both are strapped in together. However, this doesn’t mean that snowboarding is safer generally than skiing. Each sport has its own risks and benefits.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for Same-Day Injury Care
If you’ve suffered an injury, it is important that you seek urgent medical care. Delaying care can lead to you further injuring yourself. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our walk-in clinic provides convenient and accessible injury care to patients in Centennial, CO, and the surrounding communities. Our clinic accepts appointments but maintains short wait times for walk-in patients. If you’ve suffered an injury, visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial.
Our clinic is state-of-the-art. We provide high-tech digital X-rays on a walk-in basis for rapid and accurate injury diagnosis without the need for a referral. Simply walk into our clinic when it’s convenient for you. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for patients paying directly for their care. Walk into the clinic today, or contact us directly for further information at (303) 220-9168.
