Three common ski knee injuries
As physiotherapists with a genuine passion for snow sports, we don’t just treat ski injuries in the clinic—we support skiers where it matters most: on the mountain. In 2026, our team is proud to be providing official event physiotherapy at two major snowsports events, working trackside to assess, treat and help athletes perform at their best.
We are the Event Physios for the City Ski Championships 2026 in Courmayeur, Italy, and we are also very proud to be supporting Snow Camp at their 3 Valley Rally 2026. Snow Camp is an inspiring charity that uses snowsports to transform the lives of young people, and being part of their event is something we truly care about.
Through our on-slope work and in-clinic rehabilitation, we see first-hand the most common ski injuries every winter. This guide shares our expertise, highlighting the three knee injuries we treat most often, how they happen, and how you can reduce your risk so you can ski with confidence.
1. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears
What it is: The ACL stabilises the knee during pivoting, deceleration and sudden changes of direction.
How ACL injuries happen in skiing:
Back-seat landings after jumps
Sudden edge catches at speed
Falls where the ski twists while the body continues to rotate
Key facts:
ACL injury is one of the most common serious knee injuries in alpine skiing.
Most ACL tears in skiers are non-contact.
Female skiers may have a higher ACL injury risk due to biomechanical and neuromuscular factors.
Physio approach: Early swelling control, restoring full knee extension, and progressive strengthening of quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes with ski-specific drills.
2. MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) Sprains
What it is: The MCL runs along the inside of the knee and resists inward collapse.
How MCL injuries happen in skiing:
Catching an edge with the ski forced outward
Falls where the knee is driven inward while the foot remains fixed
Key facts:
MCL sprains are among the most common knee injuries in recreational skiers.
Many recover well without surgery with early rehabilitation.
Physio approach: Settle pain and swelling, restore range of motion, strengthen medial knee support, and improve control for carving and turning.
3. Meniscus Tears
What it is: The meniscus cushions and stabilises the knee.
How meniscus injuries happen in skiing:
Deep knee flexion with twisting
Sudden deceleration or awkward landings
Key facts:
Meniscus tears may occur alone or with ligament injuries.
Symptoms include joint-line pain, swelling, catching or locking.
Physio approach: Improve joint mobility, reduce load sensitivity, build strength and control, and progress back to impact and rotation. Depending on the severity of the injury, a referral to a knee specialist may be required before any rehabilitation is started to ascertain the level of damage.
Ski Injury Trends
The knee is the most frequently injured joint in alpine skiing.
Most injuries are non-contact.
Fatigue, technique errors and equipment setup affect risk.
Ski Smarter: How to Reduce Your Risk
Pre-season conditioning
Neuromuscular training
Warm up properly before your first run
Check equipment and bindings
Manage fatigue and take regular breaks
Warm up/ Cool down stretches for skiing
When to See a Physiotherapist
Persistent swelling
Instability or giving way
Locking or catching
Pain that doesn’t settle after a few days
When a Ski Injury Needs Further Investigation
Not all ski injuries are the same. If we suspect that an injury is more than a mild grade 1–2 strain or sprain (which will usually heal well with physiotherapy alone), early and accurate diagnosis becomes key.
When we suspect significant internal injury, we can usually refer directly to a sports medicine doctor or orthopaedic surgeon. Thanks to our extensive network of leading specialists, we can often arrange specialist review within 48 hours, including fast access to MRI and ultrasound (US) scans, as well as ultrasound-guided injections and aspirations when appropriate.
Getting the right diagnosis early allows us to build an informed, targeted rehabilitation programme—so you recover efficiently, avoid unnecessary delays, and return to skiing with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Skiing places high demands on the knees, but most injuries are preventable with smart preparation, good technique and the right equipment. Whether you’re training, racing or skiing on holiday, our physiotherapists combine on-slope experience with evidence-based rehab to help you recover faster and return to the snow with confidence.
Ski Injury FAQs
Are female skiers more at risk of ACL injury?
Research suggests that female skiers—particularly at recreational level—may have a higher risk of ACL injury than males, with some studies reporting up to two to three times the risk. Most ACL injuries in skiing are non-contact and occur during turning, landing or loss of balance rather than collisions. Contributing factors may include biomechanics and neuromuscular control patterns. However, data in elite alpine skiing is mixed, with some studies showing similar rates between men and women. Targeted strength, balance and movement-control training can help reduce ACL injury risk for skiers of all levels.
What are the most common ski injuries?
The knee is the most commonly injured joint in alpine skiing. Common knee injuries include MCL sprains, ACL tears and meniscus injuries. Other frequent injuries include shoulder injuries, wrist fractures and lower back strains.
When do most ski injuries occur?
Most ski injuries are non-contact and commonly occur during turning, edge catching, sudden loss of balance, or on landings after jumps. Injuries also tend to occur later in the day when fatigue reduces coordination and reaction time.
Can ski injuries be prevented?
Many ski injuries are preventable through pre-season strength training, balance and neuromuscular control exercises, proper warm-up, appropriate equipment setup including bindings and boot fit, and managing fatigue throughout the day.
When should I see a physiotherapist after a ski injury?
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if you have persistent swelling, instability or giving way, locking or catching, significant pain, or symptoms that do not settle after a few days. Early assessment can speed recovery and reduce the risk of long-term problems.
