Winter: Safe Outdoor Fun
- Feb 6, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
What to Know…
Winter is a fun season for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Injuries will happen but can be reduced with a little care and forethought. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or a beginner, understanding how to prevent injuries can make a big difference in staying safe and healthy all season long.
Hazards:
Falling on the ice, trails, or slopes
Navigating steep or unfamiliar terrain
Operating at unsafe speeds
Inexperience, poor coordination and/or skills
Collisions with others
In 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported approx. 124,700 winter sports-related injuries:
53% were linked to snow skiing and snowboarding
17% occurred during ice hockey
16% took place while ice skating
10% involved toboggans, sledges, and snow discs
4% were related to snowmobiles
(source: https://www.academyorthopedics.com/blog/common-winter-sports-injuries-and-how-to-treat-them-expert-advice-and-tips/)
Injuries:
Concussions
Knee Injuries
Low Back Pain
Fractures/Dislocations
Shoulder Tendonitis
Sore Hamstrings
Shin Splints
Hand/Wrist Sprains
Heel/Foot Pain
Prevention:
Warm-up before getting active
Wear protective gear
Use correctly fitting gear
Take breaks if you’re tired
Follow the proper technique or get lessons
Train and improve core strength before engaging in these sports
Keep up to date with weather conditions
Stay hydrated
Remember…
If you have a lingering injury from a winter sport, it’s better to address it early. Even minor issues can worsen over time, possibly requiring surgery. Physical therapy helps manage pain and enhances mobility after an injury, by playing a key role in recovery and healing as you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Be ready to enjoy winter to its fullest by seeking physical therapy when injuries happen
