Save your knees this ski season

With the first high country snowfall, Colorado’s mountains transform into a playground for skiers and snowboarders. From carving turns in Vail to catching air in Winter Park, the slopes draw thousands of enthusiasts eager to enjoy the season. But with the excitement comes risk, especially to the knee. Ligament injuries are among the most common issues athletes face on the mountain.

Why the knee is vulnerable

The knee is a hinge joint that depends heavily on four ligaments for stability: the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL. Quick pivots, awkward landings or catching an edge can put enormous strain on these structures.

“Knee injuries, especially ACL tears, are one of the most frequent problems we see from skiing and snowboarding,” notes Sean Baran, MD, sports medicine specialist at Western Orthopaedics. “The combination of speed, variable snow conditions, and fixed ski bindings means the knee often takes the brunt of a fall or twist.”

Symptoms of a ligament injury can include:

• A sudden pop at the moment of injury
• Immediate swelling
• Pain and difficulty bearing weight
• Instability or the feeling the knee might buckle

Treatment and recovery

Not all ligament injuries require surgery, but some do. “Every patient is different,” explains Dr. Baran. “Some minor tears and injuries in patients with lower activity demands may do well with bracing and physical therapy, while surgical repair may be a better option for more severe tears.  If you have a fall that results in significant swelling, difficulty bearing weight, and/or the sensation of instability, it’s always best to come in have it checked out.  Our best results treating knee ligament injuries come with early diagnosis and treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical.”

Typical recovery involves reducing swelling, regaining range of motion, strengthening surrounding muscles, and progressively returning to sport-specific activity. With proper care, most athletes can return to the slopes — though the timeline depends on the severity of the injury and treatment approach.

Prevention on the mountain

The best treatment is prevention. According to Dr. Baran, many injuries can be avoided with preparation and awareness:

• Condition before the season: “Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and core muscles provide crucial support to the knee,” says Dr. Baran.
• Check your equipment: Make sure bindings are properly adjusted, and boots fit snugly.
• Warm up and stretch: Cold muscles are more prone to injury.
• Know your limits: Fatigue leads to mistakes. Take breaks and listen to your body.
• Fall smart: If you’re losing balance, try to fall to the side rather than twisting your knee under you.

Returning to the slopes

A knee injury doesn’t have to mean the end of your ski season. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients return to the activities they love. “My role is to guide people through that process, whether it’s surgery, therapy, or both so they can get back to enjoying the Colorado mountains,” says Dr. Baran.

This winter, take steps to protect your knees and enjoy everything the slopes have to offer. And if an injury happens, don’t delay seeking care. Early evaluation can prevent further damage and speed up recovery.