Deaths related to skiing are rare, but well publicized. Each year in the United States, ten times more people drown in their bathtubs than die skiing. Preparation along with some common sense will prevent many injuries. We will discuss some ways to avoid injury and then review some common injuries and their treatment. Old habits die hard, so beginning skiers should avoid learning bad techniques that are difficult to correct later.
Professional instruction is important, especially for the beginner.
Prevention of injury starts with obtaining the right equipment for your size and skill level. This equipment should be well maintained. Being realistic about your skill level is critical when choosing ski size and binding adjustment. They allow for easier turning but have a higher incidence of knee injuries. Helmets have become popular after several high profile head injury skiing deaths.