BaselinesSport-specific baselines
Baseline Testing for Ski and Snowboard Teams
Remote mountain locations, cold conditions, and high-speed impacts — mountain sports need baseline infrastructure.
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine documents significant concussion rates in alpine and freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Unique challenges include remote mountain locations far from medical facilities, cold temperatures that affect balance performance, wide variability in helmet design and protection levels, and a culture that celebrates risk-taking.
Pre-season baseline testing should be standard for all competitive ski and snowboard programs. See also our club sports baseline playbook for programs without athletic trainer coverage.
When to re-baseline
Plan every year before the first competition for athletes under 18, and every two years for adults in ski & snowboard. Always capture a new baseline after medical clearance from a concussion, after invalid or low-effort test results, when ADHD or other cognition-affecting medications change, or after 12+ months away from the sport.
See the sports baseline & re-baseline directory, how often to re-baseline, and the complete by-sport guide. Nordic skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping share winter-sport fall risk — use the same pre-season refresh before snow travel.