According to ski area injuries report (data for 2012/2013 season) published by Japan Ski Safety Measures Council, leg injuries during ski are highest and the cause is getting hurt with the edge or stock when they fall their own, mostly due to failure of trick or fall during sliding. The second most common is collision with others and it is to be noted that the percentage skiers is more than snowboarding. In skiing, when you lose control and runaway, then fall down with courage as soon as possible. The safest way to fall down is on sideways with either of your left or right butt, if possible, bring you both feet together. If your speed increases, you will be scare to fall down and will not be able to fall. When you feel dangerous, just fall down and stop when you have some time to do so.Also, at this time, protector will help to absorb the impact received after fall.
Edited and quotation from clinical magazine "Orthopedics surgery"
Dr. Kota Watanabe of the Department of orthopedic surgery, Sapporo Med. School, Japan (official doctor for team Japan during the Vancouver Olympics)
Snowboarding is enjoyed through different variations of the sport including free style competition with mid-air tricks and spins as well as cross course, alpine style riding. But with both feet boarded to the board at all times, riders are susceptible to injury such as broken bones and torn ligaments from impact. In free style events, head, elbow, arm, spine and leg injuries, where in alpine events, upper and lower body injuries including lower thighs and wrists are very common. Especially in free style events, injuries due to mislanding and hard falls are increasing. By being aware of such injuries and taking proper protection, one can safely enjoy snowboarding.
Learn the Safe Falling Method
If you learn the correct way of falling, in advance, the risk of injury can be reduced, ultimately; it will help to reduce the fear as well.
(1) In the event of falling backwards, tuck your body inwards and curl your back, lifting your head up to prevent impact behind the head.
(2) When falling forward, fall down knees -rst and spread arms apart shoulder length to brace the impact. In any case, lift the board up from surface to prevent dragging of the board.
(3) When landing a jump, it is important to land with good balance, adjusting the board to the slope of the surface. Landing with the tail of the board -rst will make you lose balance.
Be Careful while Jumping
If you do not jump in a well-balanced state, then it is impossible for you to have a correct posture later on. So it is very important for you to make proper jumping from the beginning itself.
By considering, that the shock is more if you land where the angle of landing surface is near to the horizontal level; unless you have much confidence, avoid the jump on hard horizontal surface.
Protectors are mandatory gear for safe riding
Understanding falling procedures may not be enough until you actually become accustomed to it. Even experienced riders get injuries. This being said, protectors guarding the upper body is often favorable to these riders.
By wearing a protective suit with good mobility, one can further enjoy snow sports.