Can You Ski While Pregnant? Safety Guide for Expecting Skiers

If you're pregnant and love skiing, you're facing a tough decision. Here's what medical experts recommend and factors to consider.

The Short Answer

Most medical professionals advise against skiing during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester.

The primary concerns are: 1. Fall risk - Collision/trauma to the abdomen 2. Altitude effects - Lower oxygen levels 3. Balance changes - Center of gravity shifts

However, the decision is personal and depends on your skill level, pregnancy stage, and risk tolerance.

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What Medical Experts Say

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

ACOG recommends avoiding activities with:

• Risk of falling
• Risk of abdominal trauma
• High altitude exposure above 6,000 feet during first trimester

Skiing checks all three boxes.

General Medical Consensus

First Trimester Considerations

During weeks 1-12:

Risks:

• Higher miscarriage risk (though falls rarely cause this)
• Altitude sickness more likely
• Morning sickness can affect balance/energy

If You Choose to Ski:

• Stay on easy terrain ONLY
• Ski at lower elevations if possible
• Stay hydrated
• Listen to fatigue signals
• Avoid crowded runs

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Second Trimester Considerations

During weeks 13-27:

Risks:

• Growing belly changes balance
• Placental positioning makes trauma riskier
• Falls more awkward to break
• Recovery from injuries complicated

Key Issue: Your belly is now large enough to impact during a fall, and the placenta is increasingly vulnerable to trauma.

Most doctors advise stopping skiing at this point.

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Third Trimester

During weeks 28-40:

Strong recommendation: Do not ski.

Reasons:

• Balance significantly impaired
• Any fall risks injury to baby
• Medical emergencies harder on a mountain
• Altitude strains an already-taxed cardiovascular system
• Premature labor risk at altitude

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The Real Risk Analysis

Falls

• Even expert skiers fall occasionally
• First-timester falls: Low risk to baby
• Second/third trimester falls: Risk increases significantly
• Other skiers can collide with you unexpectedly

Altitude

Effects:

• Lower oxygen saturation
• Faster heart rate
• Dehydration
• Possible altitude sickness

Cold & Exertion

• Overheating is a concern even in cold weather
• Dehydration happens faster than you realize
• Energy demands are higher during pregnancy

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If You Decide to Ski (First Trimester Only)

Understand this is against medical advice. If you proceed:

Minimize Risk By:

Avoid:

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Safer Alternatives

On the Mountain

• Cross-country skiing - Lower intensity, no fall risk from speed
• Snowshoeing - Great exercise, no fall risk
• Walking/hiking cleared trails
• Base lodge relaxation - Enjoy the atmosphere without the risk

At the Resort

• Spa treatments - Prenatal massage!
• Hot tub - Short, lukewarm soaks (check with doctor)
• Restaurant/bar scene - Non-alcoholic après-ski
• Shopping - Mountain village retail therapy
• Spectating - Watch others from deck with hot cocoa

Supporting Your Partner

• Drop off/pick up at slopes
• Take photos and videos
• Meet for lunch on the mountain
• Handle lift tickets and rentals

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Planning Your Ski Trip While Pregnant

Questions to Consider

1. How far along will you be? (First trimester only for skiing) 2. What's the resort's elevation? (Lower is safer) 3. What's your ski level? (Expert = lower fall risk) 4. Is there a hospital nearby? (Important for any emergency) 5. What else is there to do? (Non-skiing activities matter)

Great Pregnant-Friendly Ski Trip

Resort Selection:

• Lower altitude base area
• Nearby medical facilities
• Lots of non-ski activities
• Spa with prenatal services
• Excellent restaurants

Examples:

• Lake Tahoe resorts (many have spas, good hospitals)
• Deer Valley (upscale services, excellent amenities)
• Steamboat (town has good medical facilities)
• Vermont resorts (lower altitude, charming towns)

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After the Baby

When Can You Ski Again?

Normal delivery: Usually 6-8 weeks recovery, then cleared by doctor C-section: Usually 8-12 weeks, doctor clearance required Breastfeeding: No restrictions, just stay hydrated

Coming Back to Skiing

• Take it slow, your body has changed
• Core strength may be reduced
• Balance needs recalibration
• Start on greens again
• Consider a tune-up lesson

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Frequently Asked Questions

"I skied before I knew I was pregnant. Is the baby okay?"

Very likely yes. Early-stage skiing rarely causes problems. Consult your OB for peace of mind, but don't panic.

"What if I'm a ski instructor?"

This is a difficult situation. Most instructors stop teaching by second trimester due to liability and safety concerns. Discuss with your employer and doctor.

"Can I ride the chairlift just to sightsee?"

Generally yes during the first trimester, but check altitude and discuss with your doctor. The ride itself isn't dangerous; the concern is altitude and being in a fall-risk zone.

"My doctor said it's fine. Should I still be cautious?"

If your doctor clears you based on your individual situation, follow their guidance—but be conservative with terrain and ski defensively.

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The Bottom Line

• First trimester: Personal decision, many doctors advise caution
• Second trimester: Most doctors recommend stopping
• Third trimester: Strong recommendation to stay off the slopes

The season is only a few months. Missing one winter protects your baby and sets you up for many years of skiing together as a family.

Next season: Bring the baby and take turns skiing with your partner!

Find family-friendly resorts in our state directory.