SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-fall-arms-out
Why do shoulder injuries often happen to skiers who fall?
They put their arms out to break the fall.
- They carry heavy backpacks
- They hit their helmets first
- They put their arms out to break the fall ✔
Why: Putting arms out to catch yourself can hurt shoulders and wrists. Lessons teach how to fall safely instead. Lessons are especially important for new skiers.
Huh, didn't know that: AAOS says many ski injuries happen at the end of the day, when people try to get in one last run.
Why did Princess Elsa fall off her sled? She let it go.
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References
Answer: They put their arms out to break the fall. Putting arms out to catch yourself can hurt shoulders and wrists. Lessons teach how to fall safely instead. Lessons are especially important for new skiers.
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Skiing Injury Prevention orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/skiing-injury-prevention
Because skiers frequently put their arms out to break a fall, shoulder injuries
Checked 2026-10-10. - AAOS OrthoInfo: Skiing Injury Prevention orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/skiing-injury-prevention
Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.
Checked 2026-10-10. - AAOS OrthoInfo: Skiing Injury Prevention orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/skiing-injury-prevention
Skiers who fall on an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole can get a "skier's thumb."
Checked 2026-10-10.
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