Injury risk in first-time snowboarders versus first-time skiers

Between 1994 and 1996 we studied injury patterns in more than 22,000 first-time snowboarders and first-time skiers to determine the comparative injury risk of these two popular sports coexisting in winter resort areas. The first-time participants included in this study had no previous experience in their activity of choice and enrolled in Learn to Snowboard and Learn to Ski programs in two major northeastern ski resorts. Data were gathered from physician evaluations at the medical clinics at each mountain. Two hundred seventy-three (4%) of the first-time snowboarders (N = 6585), and 641 (4%) of the first-time skiers (N = 15,795) sustained an injury. Injuries were further evaluated by location (upper extremity, lower extremity, head, and trunk area) and severity (emergent versus nonemergent). Snowboarders had a higher percentage of upper extremity injuries (53%), while skiers had a higher percentage of lower extremity injuries (63%). Snowboarders, however, sustained a significantly higher incidence of emergent injuries (such as fracture, concussion, dislocation, lost teeth) necessitating immediate intervention. While there have been other reports describing injuries in these activities, no previous study attempted to look at the first-time participants with similar age, experience, and equipment to determine comparative risk. We conclude that for the first-time participant, snowboarding does show a higher incidence of emergent injuries.