Is Mountain Biking More Dangerous Than Skiing?

Both skiing and mountain biking are exhilarating recreational activities that offer plenty of excitement and opportunities for adventure.

However, when it comes to injury rates, which sport carries a higher risk?

Surprisingly, mountain biking is more risky and dangerous than skiing, based on injury and accident statistics.

Below, we will explore the injury rates associated with skiing and mountain biking and delve into the various risk factors that come into play.

Mountain Biking vs. Skiing Injury Rates

Mountain biking has a higher injury rate compared to skiing. Downhill skiing has an injury rate of about 1 injury per 1,000 skiers while downhill mountain biking has an injury rate of about 1 injury per 10 cyclists. (1)

Common Injuries from Mountain Biking and How To Stay Safe

Fractures are a common injury in mountain biking, usually caused by falls or collisions.

Joint injuries like torn ACL are also very common.

Facial, head, and internal organ injuries are also a significant concern.

To minimize the risk, make sure to wear protective gear like helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. Abrasions are also common, resulting from falls or scraping against rough surfaces.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves can protect against them. Chest and abdominal injuries can occur too, so wearing chest protectors is essential.

Head over to our dedicated article to learn more about common mountain biking injuries and how to prevent them.

Factors Influencing the Risk of Injury in Mountain Biking

Beginners who are new to mountain biking may be more prone to accidents due to their lack of experience and familiarity with the terrain.

Here are some common factors that may increase the risk of injury.

Track Features & Obstacles

Track features consist of both man-made and natural elements that make the ride more difficult.

Jumps and drops are common features that demand precise timing and control to master.

Berms, or banked turns, enable riders to maintain speed and control while maneuvering through corners.

Roots and rocks, being natural obstacles, pose challenges by causing the bike to bounce or slide.

For this reason, the race organizer will strategically place course marshals across the trail to blow the whistle whenever riders crash to locate their position.

The technical nature of downhill riding means that riders must constantly assess and react to the features of the track.

This demands a combination of physical prowess, knowledge of the terrain, and experience.

To become familiar with the track, riders often do sighting laps before picking up speed.

This allows them to identify potential hazards, plan their paths, and adjust their speed accordingly.

Riding On Trails Above Your Level

In mountain biking, pushing your limits can lead to serious injuries.

It’s crucial to be honest with yourself and only slightly exceed your comfort level to maintain control and safety.

Attempting challenging trails without the necessary skills can result in accidents and loss of control.

You should approach expert trails with caution and walk if necessary.

By staying within your skill level, you can enjoy the sport while minimizing accidents.

Continually assess your abilities, seek training, and push your boundaries while staying safe.

Human Error

Many accidents on trails and outdoor activities are caused by rider error.

According to a study by the Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Austria, rider error caused 72% of accidents, while bad trail conditions were responsible for 31%.

Human error can be due to underestimating the trail’s difficulty or lacking the necessary skills to handle obstacles.

Poor trail conditions, on the other hand, include things like unmaintained paths, muddy terrain, debris, and tree roots.

These factors greatly increase the risk of unexpected accidents.

Inappropriate Protective Gear

Wearing appropriate protective gear is of utmost importance in mountain biking, especially when engaging in downhill riding.

Downhill riding involves navigating rough and challenging terrains at high speeds, making the chances of accidents and injuries much higher.

Wearing the right gear can significantly minimize these risks and ensure a safer riding experience.

Essential protective equipment for mountain biking includes full-face helmets, knee pads (prevent you from tearing your ACL), elbow pads, and chest protectors.

These types of gear provide crucial protection to the most vulnerable parts of the body and reduce the severity of injuries.

Bike Issues & Mechanical Failure

Mountain biking can be risky if there are mechanical issues with the bike.

That’s why it’s crucial to address these problems before hitting the trails, to keep yourself safe from accidents and injuries.

Taking proper care of your bike and regularly inspecting all the components is essential.

Don’t ignore maintenance tasks like checking brakes, gears, tires, and suspension, as neglecting them can lead to malfunctions and accidents.

Pay attention to any strange noises or unusual behavior from your bike, as they could indicate loose bolts or worn-out brake pads.

If you notice any signs of potential issues, give your bike a thorough check-up before riding.

Tighten loose bolts, replace worn-out parts, and make sure to lubricate the moving components.

And don’t hesitate to seek professional bike service if necessary.

On-Track Traffic and Obstacles

One of the risks riders face is encountering traffic on the track.

This includes other riders, hikers, and animals that may unexpectedly cross the path.

Meeting other riders can increase the chances of accidents, especially when going downhill or taking sharp turns.

It is crucial for riders to communicate and be aware of each other to avoid collisions.

Similarly, hikers sharing the track can be hazardous as they may not know biking etiquette or hear approaching riders.

Riders should be cautious and give hikers enough space while passing. Animals like deer or squirrels can also pose a risk by darting across the track.

Always stay alert, follow trail rules, practice caution, use hand signals, call out when passing, and be prepared for unexpected situations.

My Verdict

As an avid mountain biker, I’ve had my fair share of heart-pounding rides. But I’ve also learned the hard way that safety should always come first to minimize the risk of injuries.

I’ve summarized my learnings over the years into 18 practical mountain biking tips. Feel free to check it out.

Here’s what I do to ensure a safe and thrilling biking experience: I know my limits and stick to trails that match my skill level. Riding beyond my abilities not only endangers me but also puts others at risk.

Before picking up speed, I thoroughly inspect the trail, scouting for obstacles and getting familiar with the challenging sections.

Wearing the right protective gear is non-negotiable for me.

Helmets are a must to safeguard against head injuries, and elbow and knee pads offer crucial protection during falls.

I owed my life to my Apple Watch, thanks to its fall detection feature that automatically prompted me to call my emergency contact when I had an accident.

I’ve learned from my own blunders and witnessed common mistakes that lead to crashes.

Maintaining control, especially on fast descents and technical areas, is key. I focus on keeping a balanced and relaxed stance, using proper body positioning, and employing smooth and controlled braking techniques.

Above all, I take full responsibility for my safety.

By staying alert, aware of my surroundings, and making wise decisions on the trail, I significantly reduce the chances of accidents. Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport, and prioritizing safety ensures countless enjoyable rides ahead.