Downhill Skiing Downhill Skiing Downhill Skiing is a very popular form of recreation in the United States. Since downhill skiing involves high speeds and quick turns, it can also be a very dangerous sport, especially for the beginner.
Many accidents happen on a beginners' slope at the start of a vacation.
The most common injury is a muscle sprain, and this can be serious enough to keep a downhill skier off his or her feet for an entire vacation. A skier can also rupture a ligament in the knee or fracture an ankle or leg bone. Ski instruction shortens the learning period for beginners and adds to the safety and enjoyment of the sport. All major ski areas have ski instruction available. Beginners must stay within their class and not be tempted to follow the more experienced skiers in their party.