You’ve finally made it to Hakuba! Everything has been falling into place – the trip made it out of the group chat, your boss approved your leave, the snow is dumping, even the conversion rate is making you feel like a millionaire! And then during day one, the only thing falling is you! Whether it was dusting off the cobwebs of your ski skills, a tricky chairlift or you couldn’t resist going off piste… there’s always a reason to end up taking a tumble on day one – it’s only an issue when you’re struggling to pull up for day two! 

In the past we have looked at how the ligaments of the knee are injured during skiing or snowboarding.

Catching the chair up over Happo-one valley in Hakuba yesterday I watched the familiar sight of beginner snowboarders making their falling leaves and smiled to myself, grateful that those days were behind me.

One of them was getting the hang of it, starting to link turns and gain confidence. And just as he thought he had it “whack” went his helmeted head back as he caught an edge.  Ahh the old snowboard sniper!