February 2026
A trip to Oregon’s snow‑covered mountains is one of winter’s greatest joys. Whether you’re skiing with friends or teaching your kids to snowboard, staying safe on the slopes is essential to keeping those memories joyful, not painful.
Mike Murray, M.D., co‑medical director of the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Mountain Clinic, has cared for winter sports enthusiasts for more than 40 years. With over four decades of treating mountain injuries, he’s seen clear shifts in the types of injuries people experience and has practical advice for preventing them.
What’s changed?
“The introduction of snowboards changed things,” Dr. Murray says. “It used to be our single most common injury was knee injuries. But that’s now switched to wrist injuries.”
Because wrist injuries are now so common, especially among snowboarders, Dr. Murray recommends adding one simple item to your gear:
“[A splint] keeps your hand, your wrist in a neutral position, so when you land there’s a little bit of give,” he says.
Know how to fall — yes, really.
Sometimes the safest thing you can do is accept the fall and avoid trying to catch yourself.
Many wrist fractures happen when people fall backward and instinctively put a hand out behind them.
“They fall backwards and put their outstretched hand out behind them,” Dr. Murray says. “The wrist is in full‑stop extension. There’s nowhere for it to go, so the bone breaks.”
Learning to fall with bent elbows, while avoiding bracing with an outstretched hand, goes a long way in preventing injury.
Prepare, protect, and enjoy the mountain.
With a few precautions, you can make every winter adventure safer:
- Wear proper protective gear, especially wrist guards.
- Warm up before hitting the slopes to keep muscles and joints flexible.
- Know your limits and take breaks throughout the day.
Dr. Murray and the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Mountain Clinic team are committed to helping families stay safe and confident on the slopes, so you can enjoy the magic of winter with fewer risks and more fun.
Related
- Schedule an appointment with Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Mountain Clinic.
- See Dr. Murray's conversation on "Afternoon Live" at KATU.
