What to Do If You Get Injured While Skiing: A Safety Protocol⛷️

Skiing is one of the most exhilarating sports out there, a thrilling mix of speed, skill, and nature’s majestic beauty. But let’s face it—whether you’re an experienced pro or a weekend warrior, the mountain has a way of humbling even the most seasoned skiers. Sometimes, despite your best efforts and skills, things go wrong. Maybe it’s that unexpected patch of ice, a rogue tree branch, or a wipeout after getting a little too ambitious on the moguls. If you find yourself injured on the slopes, you’ll want to know exactly what to do—not only to stay safe but to ensure you get the help you need without making things worse.

Now, let’s get one thing straight: Getting injured while skiing is nobody’s idea of a fun day on the mountain. But knowing how to handle a situation like this can mean the difference between a minor setback and a major catastrophe. So, grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into the must-know safety protocol for when you find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing assistance while skiing.

🏂1. Assess the Situation: Are You Hurt, or Are You Just Stunned?

The first thing you need to do after a fall (or any incident) is to check in with yourself. Skiing can be fast and furious, and sometimes you’ll take a tumble that’ll leave you dazed but not necessarily hurt. You might feel like you’ve just been hit by a snowplow, but in reality, you could be fine.

Take a moment to stop and assess your situation:

• Check your body: Wiggle your fingers and toes. Does anything feel off? Can you move your limbs? Are there any sharp pains anywhere? If you can stand, try slowly rising to your feet. If there’s any hesitation or pain, do not try to force it.

• Head and neck check: If you’ve hit your head or neck, it’s essential to be especially cautious. A helmet can only do so much, and neck injuries can sometimes be difficult to detect until later. If you suspect something might be wrong, stay still, and call for help immediately.

• Pain levels: If you’re feeling intense pain, don’t push through it. It’s easy to convince yourself that you’re fine, but if you’re having difficulty moving, breathing, or experiencing sharp, sudden pain, there’s a good chance you’ve sustained an injury.

If you’re able to assess yourself and things seem manageable, take it slow. If anything feels off or painful, do not try to get up or continue skiing. Call for help immediately.

🏂2. Alerting Ski Patrol: Don’t Be Shy to Ask for Help

One of the best things about skiing is that ski resorts are equipped with well-trained personnel whose sole job is to ensure skiers stay safe. This means that if you’re injured, ski patrol is your best friend. And, contrary to the stereotype of the stoic skier pushing through pain, there's no shame in asking for help. In fact, it’s the smartest thing you can do.

So how do you alert ski patrol if you’re injured?

• Remain in place: If you’re seriously injured or suspect you might be, don’t move unless you absolutely have to. Movement can make injuries worse, especially if you have broken bones or a potential spinal injury.

• Use your phone: Many ski resorts have dedicated phone numbers for ski patrol. If you have a phone and can move it safely, dial the resort's emergency number. This number is often posted at ski lift stations, in the ski resort's information brochures, and sometimes even on lift tickets. You’ll want to provide your exact location, so if you’re not sure where you are, try to give landmarks or lift names to help pinpoint your position.

• Signal for help: If you can’t reach your phone or are not able to make the call, use signals. If there are people nearby, call out for help. Skiers are generally very good about looking out for one another, so don’t hesitate to ask a fellow skier to contact patrol on your behalf.

Once ski patrol is alerted, they will typically arrive with a sled, rescue equipment, and, depending on the severity of the injury, a stretcher to transport you to the resort's medical facilities.

🏂3. Stay Calm and Focused: Deep Breaths, Not Panic

Getting injured while skiing can be scary, especially if you're alone on the slopes or in an area without many people around. But panicking will only make the situation worse. Try to stay calm and focus on what needs to happen next.

If you're able, sit still and focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths to keep your mind clear and avoid any unnecessary stress on your body. Keep your head facing forward (especially if you’ve hit your neck or back), and try not to twist or turn unnaturally. It’s important to stay as still as possible to prevent further injury.

While waiting for help, also try to assess the type of injury you have. If you think you’ve injured your leg, arm, or back, keep it in place and don’t try to move it. If you’ve broken something, you might be tempted to touch or adjust the area. Resist that urge. Skiing is all about controlling your body, but when you’re injured, your body has the right to control you for a while.

🏂4. Ice, Elevation, and Rest: Treating Minor Injuries on the Spot

Now, this is where things can get a little tricky. Not all injuries on the mountain are catastrophic. Some are minor strains, sprains, or bruises that can be treated on the spot. If you’ve taken a fall and feel like you can get up and continue skiing, that’s a good sign—but only if you’re absolutely sure it’s a minor injury.

Here’s how you can treat some common, less severe injuries:

• Sprains and strains: If you twist an ankle or strain a muscle, try to apply some ice as soon as possible to reduce swelling. Most ski resorts have patrol stations with basic first-aid supplies, and if you can make it to one, use that to your advantage. Rest is also critical—don’t rush back onto the slopes if you feel like you’ve tweaked something.

• Bruises: Skiing can leave some nasty bruises, especially if you’ve taken a hit from the ski pole or a board. Ice will help reduce bruising, but be sure to take it easy after a mild impact.

• Minor cuts or scrapes: Ski poles and sharp skis can sometimes cause small cuts. Clean the wound with water and apply an antiseptic. Cover it with a bandage until you can get back to the ski resort's first aid station.

🏂5. When to Call It a Day: Know Your Limits

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to walk away from the slopes for the day. Whether your injury is minor or you’re just feeling shaken up from the fall, it's okay to call it a day. The goal of skiing isn’t to push your body to the limit; it’s about enjoying yourself in a safe environment.

If you’re still unsure whether you should continue skiing after a minor injury, listen to your body. If you feel any pain, discomfort, or unease, it’s time to call it quits. There’s always tomorrow to get back on the slopes.

🏂6. Medical Treatment After the Fall: Seeking the Right Care

After a major fall, especially if you’ve been immobilized by ski patrol, the next step is to get proper medical care. Many ski resorts have on-site clinics, and you’ll likely be transported there for assessment.

Even if your injury doesn’t seem too serious, it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor. Sometimes, symptoms of serious injuries (like concussions or fractures) don’t show up immediately. Get checked to ensure there are no underlying issues that could become problematic later.

Conclusion: Stay Safe, Ski Smart

Injury while skiing is something no one wants to think about, but it’s important to know what to do when it happens. Knowing how to respond in the moment can make all the difference in terms of how quickly you recover and how severe the injury becomes.

So, remember to stay calm, alert the right people, and don’t push through pain. Skiing is meant to be fun, and by following these steps and staying safe, you’ll be able to enjoy many more epic days on the mountain. Happy skiing—and remember, safety first!