Injuries or Disabilities Shouldn’t Stop You from Hitting the Slopes this Winter


Modern-day skiing includes alpine disciplines, freestyle, extreme skiing and Nordic skiing. Taking part in some of these skiing activities is not for the faint of heart, but most of them are for almost everybody. To avoid skiing injuries, always use fitted equipment (look for a certified ski boot fitter before you purchase your boots), and stay fairly fit even when you’re not on the slopes. Flexible and strong muscles are your best defense against injury.

If you have a chronic musculoskeletal issue, you can still hit the slopes. Many individuals enjoy skiing even after they receive a hip replacement or a knee replacement.

There are even adaptive skis available for people with disabilities, including amputations or paralysis (paraplegia and hemiparesis).

Where there is a will to ski, there is a way to get you on the slopes.

Last year at Blue Mountain Ski Resort, a 60-year-old woman booked a ski lesson for her mother, who was more than 80 years old. She didn’t manage any turns and she wasn’t the fastest skier on the slopes that day, but she experienced the exhilarating sensation of gliding on snow! She was in her 80s, and she was skiing!

If you’ve had an injury that is keeping you off the slopes, or if you have a disability, see a physical therapist. Physical therapists are uniquely equipped to deal with your injury, and to empower you with the tools and techniques you need to regain strength and avoid serious injuries in the future.

If you can find a physical therapist who shares your addiction to snow sports, it’s even better!

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