Let’s be real, every skier, whether an Olympic pro or a beginner on the bunny slopes takes a fall. We are feeling inspired by the 2022 Winter Olympic Games to bring you our top tips on how to fall while skiing to limit injury and avoid getting hurt.
Speaking of the winter Olympics, U.S. Ski and Snowboard announced that HomeLight, a real estate technology platform, is a title sponsor of the HomeLight Foundation Series. This foundation works as a catalyst to launch the careers of top athletes within winter sports. We hope you get inspired watching these athletes hit the halfpipe and catch big air when testing out the sport yourself.
We can’t guarantee that every fall you take on the mountain will be painless (actually, we know they all won’t be!), but we can help you understand the fundamentals of falling and how to avoid any serious skiing injuries. Falls occur quickly and without a lot of time to think, so having a good reaction is key in limiting your odds of ending up in the hospital. The main key to falling properly is to distribute your weight in a way that will cause the least amount of injury.
Our top falling techniques include:
1) Extend Limbs
When you take a tumble, on your side or your back, it’s natural to put your hands out to catch the impact, but this is where broken arms happen. Instead, remember to extend your limbs and take the weight of the fall on a wider surface, rather than your joints. Be sure to outstretch arms by your sides and keep your legs straight when you make an impact.
2) Falling Forward
If you’re taking a spill forward, it’s important to try and protect your face, head, and teeth. Do so by aiming to fall on your forearms, rather than your wrists.
3) An Ejected Fall
Sometimes when you fall, you may be ejected from your skis aiming forward. This can feel like a scary tumble, but good fall technique will make it less painful. If you’re in this situation, the ideal fall technique is to tuck your chin and do a forward roll, rather than a faceplant.
Other tips to ensure maximum safety out on the slopes include:
- Exercise to stay fit during the off-season and increase agility for better reaction time during a fall
- Ensure your ski equipment is fitted properly
- Don’t overexert yourself (tired body equals harder falls)
- Keep to slopes that are within your skill level
- Avoid skiing on icy, hard snow
The final important part of the fall technique is how to get back on your feet after the tumble. Having equipment often tangled and strapped to your feet, plus the added challenge of being on a slope can make standing back up a challenge.
Start by untangling your poles and skis from each other. Keep your skis sideways to the hill and get your feet beneath you. Bring your skis together, crouch over your skis, and push off the ground to end in a standing position. If this is impossible in the situation you’re in, there is no harm in removing your skis to make standing easier, just be sure to hold on to them so they don’t go whizzing down the hill without you!
