- AdventHealth
Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.

Each year, approximately 600,000 people in the United States sustain injuries while skiing or snowboarding, with wrist and knee injuries being among the most common. While it is not always possible to eliminate these injuries, Jason Jennings, MD, DPT, an Orthopedic Surgeon at Colorado Joint Replacement with the AdventHealth Medical Group, offers several tips to help prevent serious injury.
Protecting yourself from injury doesn’t start just before you take your first run or even a month before ski and snowboard season begins. Dr. Jennings believes that preparation should last all year long.
Many of the injuries that Dr. Jennings sees in his clinic, Colorado Joint Replacement, involve patients that overdo it, and their bodies can’t keep up.
“The most important thing is to develop a routine and stay active. Consistency is key to success,” said Dr. Jennings. “Many of the injuries are related to overuse, meaning people who are going out early in the year may not be conditioned and develop muscle tightness or soreness that may persist.”
Dr. Jennings suggests training with weights or practicing your cardiovascular fitness throughout the year to make sure your body is ready for the rigors of ski and snowboard season. Regularly stretching is also an important part of keeping your body ready.
“Injury may be less likely to occur in people who stay consistently active throughout the year. Weekend warriors or those who choose to only ski and snowboard without appropriate stretching and strengthening may be at increased risk of injury,” said Dr. Jennings.
On top of stretching and strengthening throughout the year, if you have preexisting injuries it could be helpful to wear braces or guards for extra protection.
As for what types of injuries to expect, Dr. Jennings most commonly deals with knee ligament injuries with skiers and for snowboarders it is typically wrist or hand injuries. If you experience an injury on the slopes or start to feel something when you get home, Dr. Jennings suggests using the same rule of thumb as with any other injuries.
“An inability to put weight on the upper or lower extremity is a sign of concern. As a general rule, if something doesn’t seem right and seems to be more than a bump or a bruise, you should seek medical expertise for an evaluation,” said Dr. Jennings.
If you are injured and need to care for yourself at home, use the PRICE principle. Protect the joint/bone, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Dr. Jennings also emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding. “Head injuries are uncommon, but if they happen, they can be devastating. So, we recommend wearing a helmet for 100% of people that hit the slopes,” said Dr. Jennings.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Jennings, click here.

Recent News
Lake Mary Little League®, home of the 2024 Little League® World Series Champions, is proud to announce a new partnership with AdventHealth.
Every year, the American Heart Association recognizes programs that perform exceptionally in the area of stroke. We are proud to announce AdventHealth Avista, AdventHealth Littleton, AdventHealth...
Following AdventHealth’s mission to help team members, guests and patients Feel Whole, AdventHealth Castle Rock officially opened the Pittman Pathway Wellness Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Dr. Matthew Villani, a foot and ankle surgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group located at AdventHealth Waterman, addresses foot and ankle injuries.
AdventHealth Millenia ER is celebrating its first anniversary of providing lifesaving, whole-person care to residents and visitors in West Orlando.
Anesthesia Associates of Kansas City becomes a strategic partner for the rapidly growing hospital in south Overland Park.
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale now offers life-saving stroke care with a new minimally invasive procedure, improving survival rates and quality of life.
The hospital’s three-story expansion will be completed in summer 2026.
AdventHealth Zephyrhills is leading the way in Pasco County with a new treatment for clostridioides difficile or C. diff.
AdventHealth is proud to introduce you to Frannette Miller, BSN, RN, winner of our DAISY Award for the ray of light she shines on the lives of her patients every day in the Behavioral Health Unit at...
Dr. Jason Jennings, orthopedic surgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group Colorado Joint Replacement at Porter, was selected to present his research findings at the 3rd International Consensus Meeting on...
When it comes to back health, how you sleep matters just as much as how you move during the day. According to Dr. Sharad Rajpal, a neurosurgeon at AdventHealth Avista, your nighttime habits can either...