Accidents happen on the slopes, injuring many people during each ski season. With some precautions, skiers can lower their risk of injury on the slopes. In fact, the number of ski injuries appears to be down due to superior equipment as well as time spent on physical conditioning. Today, people spend a great deal of time on the running trails, in the health clubs, and in their own home gyms. Fractures of the hand, collar bone, and leg occur in skiers.
Skiers are also at risk for having knee injuries.
A physical conditioning program is very important in avoiding injuries on the ski slopes. Skiers should do exercises about a month and a half to two months prior to heading for the ski resorts. Some good exercises, to help prepare for the slopes include those which use similar motions. Swimming, bicycling and rowing use similar muscles and build endurance, as well as strength. Exercises which strengthen the thigh muscles are also helpful, such as squats.