Sport-specific baselines

Baseline Testing for Ski and Snowboard Teams

Remote mountain locations, cold conditions, and high-speed impacts — mountain sports need baseline infrastructure.

April 12, 20263 min read

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.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

How high is concussion risk in skiing and snowboarding?

Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine documents significant concussion rates in alpine, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding.

What unique challenges do mountain sports face?

Remote mountain locations far from medical facilities, cold temperatures that affect balance performance, wide variability in helmet design, and a culture that celebrates risk-taking.

Do helmets prevent concussions?

Helmets reduce skull fracture risk but provide limited protection against concussion from rotational forces — the mechanism behind most concussions.

Should ski teams baseline test?

Yes. Pre-season baseline testing should be standard for all competitive ski and snowboard programs.

Baseline before the mountain.

Pre-season baselines for competitive ski and snowboard programs — portable testing that travels with the team.

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