Ski Guides: Snow Injuries

1. Altitude Sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness - AMS)

Causes:

• Skiing at high-altitude resorts (above 2,500m) where oxygen levels are lower
• Rapid ascent without proper acclimatization

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Dizziness and nausea
• Fatigue and shortness of breath
• Difficulty sleeping

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Acclimatize by spending a day at a moderate altitude before skiing
✔️ Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
✔️ Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours
✔️ If severe, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical help

2. Hypothermia

Causes:

• Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures
• Wet clothing and inadequate layering
• Strong winds and exhaustion

Symptoms:

• Shivering
• Confusion and slurred speech
• Slow reactions and drowsiness
• Loss of coordination

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Wear proper layered clothing and a waterproof outer shell
✔️ Take regular breaks indoors to warm up
✔️ Avoid staying in wet clothes—change immediately if damp
✔️ If symptoms appear, get to a warm place and drink hot fluids

3. Frostbite

Causes:

• Extreme cold temperatures, especially affecting fingers, toes, nose, and ears
• Poor circulation due to tight boots or gloves

Symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Skin turning pale, white, or blue
• Hard or waxy-looking skin

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Wear warm, insulated gloves, socks, and headwear
✔️ Use hand and foot warmers in extreme cold
✔️ If frostbite occurs, warm the affected area gradually—avoid rubbing the skin

4. Knee & Ligament Injuries

Causes:

• Sudden twists or falls while skiing
• Poorly fitted ski bindings
• Overexertion and fatigue

Common Injuries:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear – Common in skiers due to twisting movements
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) strain – Impact-related injury from falls
• Meniscus tear – Cartilage damage in the knee joint

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Warm up before skiing
✔️ Strengthen leg muscles with pre-season exercises
✔️ Use proper skiing technique and avoid sudden turns
✔️ If injured, rest, ice, and seek medical attention

5. Snow Blindness

Causes:

• UV rays reflecting off the snow causing damage to the cornea
• Skiing without proper eye protection

Symptoms:

• Red, painful, or teary eyes
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Feeling like there is sand in your eyes

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Wear UV-protected ski goggles or sunglasses
✔️ Take breaks indoors to rest your eyes
✔️ If symptoms appear, rest in a dark room and use artificial tears

6. Dehydration & Fatigue

Causes:

• Skiing at high altitudes increases fluid loss
• Cold temperatures reduce the sensation of thirst
• Physical exertion leading to exhaustion

Symptoms:

• Dry mouth and dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Extreme tiredness

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Drink plenty of water throughout the day
✔️ Eat energy-rich snacks to maintain stamina
✔️ Take breaks and listen to your body

7. Skiers’ Thumb

Causes:

• Falling while holding ski poles, causing the thumb to bend unnaturally
• Hyperextension of the thumb ligaments

Symptoms:

• Pain and swelling in the thumb joint
• Difficulty gripping objects

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Use ski poles with proper straps or avoid using straps when skiing
✔️ Strengthen hand muscles before the season
✔️ If injured, ice, immobilize, and seek medical advice

8. Concussions & Head Injuries

Causes:

• Falls, collisions, or high-speed accidents
• Not wearing a helmet

Symptoms:

• Headache, dizziness, or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of balance

Prevention & Treatment:
✔️ Wear a helmet at all times on the slopes
✔️ Avoid reckless skiing and follow slope etiquette
✔️ If a head injury occurs, seek medical attention immediately