Every winter, Les Gets welcomes passionate skiers eager to enjoy the stunning slopes of the Portes du Soleil ski area.
While skiing is all about fun and freedom, it’s also a demanding sport that puts your body to the test. Sprains, knee pain, shoulder or wrist injuries — these are common but often completely preventable.
Here are a few practical tips for skiing safely in Les Gets, inspired by sports medicine experts and perfectly suited to your mountain holiday.
The Most Common Ski Injuries
Before we dive into prevention, let’s look at the areas most often affected:
- Knees: particularly prone to sprains and ligament tears (especially the ACL).
- Shoulders: dislocations and impacts caused by falls.
- Thumbs: “skier’s thumb” happens when the pole strap twists the joint.
- Head: rare but serious injuries — wearing a helmet is essential.
For snowboarders, the most frequent injuries involve wrists, shoulders, and head due to the nature of falls.
1. Prepare your body before your ski trip
Arriving on the slopes without physical preparation is like running a marathon without training.
Skiing engages your legs, glutes, core, and back — a stronger, more stable body means fewer injuries.
Try these simple exercises 2–3 times a week before your trip:
- Planks and side planks → strengthen abs and back.
- Squats and lunges → build leg and knee strength.
- Lateral band walks → improve hip stability to protect knees.
- Bridges (on the floor or with a ball) → strengthen glutes and hamstrings.
- Superman exercise → engage your entire posterior chain.
These moves increase your balance, improve endurance, and significantly reduce the risk of ligament injuries.
2. Warm up before hitting the slopes
At Les Gets, it’s tempting to start skiing as soon as you hop off the Chavannes or Mont-Chéry lift — but a short warm-up makes a big difference:
- Gentle ankle and knee rotations
- Light squats and bends
- Dynamic stretches for thighs and calves
Just five minutes of warm-up prepares your muscles for better control and fewer falls.
3. Choose properly adjusted ski equipment
A surprising number of ski injuries are caused by poorly adjusted gear — bindings too tight, boots too loose, or pole straps used incorrectly.
At Nevada Sports Les Gets, your equipment is carefully adjusted to your weight, level, and ski style.
Our technicians ensure that your bindings release safely during a fall and that your skis match your goals — whether stability, progression, or performance.
👉 Pro tip: choose poles without fixed straps (like LEKI poles) to avoid skier’s thumb if you fall.
4. ski within your limits (and progress smartly)
Most injuries happen when you push too hard, too fast.
Fortunately, Les Gets offers the perfect terrain for step-by-step progression:
- Wide blue runs for warming up.
- Smooth red runs to test your limits.
- Challenging black slopes for advanced skiers.
If you’re unsure, the ESF ski school in Les Gets offers group and private lessons to help you build technique and confidence.
Better technique means better control — and fewer injuries.
5. Protect your joints and your head
Safety gear is non-negotiable:
- Helmet: essential for both adults and children.
- Goggles or sunglasses: to prevent glare and loss of visibility.
- Wrist guards: especially for snowboarders.
- Knee braces or supports: if you have a history of joint issues.
You’ll notice that nearly all skiers in Les Gets now wear helmets — a small habit that truly saves lives.
6. Listen to your body and manage fatigue
Many accidents happen late in the day when fatigue sets in.
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Heavy legs
- Loss of focus
- Slower reactions
Take breaks on the sunny terraces around Les Gets, stay hydrated even in cold weather, and don’t hesitate to end your ski day early.
It’s better to stop on a high note than to risk injury on the last run.
In summary: Key tips to stay injury-free in Les Gets
✅ Prepare your body before your trip with targeted exercises.
✅ Warm up every morning before skiing.
✅ Choose well-adjusted equipment at Nevada Sports Les Gets.
✅ Progress at your own pace, with ESF instructors if needed.
✅ Protect your joints and always wear a helmet.
✅ Listen to your body — fatigue is your worst enemy.
With these simple habits, your ski holiday in Les Gets will be all about fun, progress, and safety.
👉 Ready for your next trip? Visit Nevada Sports in Les Gets as soon as you arrive to get expert advice and perfectly tuned equipment for safe skiing.