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:

Fall risk - Collision/trauma to the abdomen
Altitude effects - Lower oxygen levels
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

Trimester	Risk Level	Typical Recommendation
First (1-12 weeks)	Moderate	Caution advised
Second (13-27 weeks)	High	Generally discouraged
Third (28+ weeks)	Very High	Strongly discouraged

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

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

Elevation	Concern Level
Below 6,000 ft	Low
6,000-8,500 ft	Moderate
8,500-10,000 ft	Higher
Above 10,000 ft	Significant

Most ski resort bases are at 7,000-9,000 ft. Summits reach 10,000-13,000+ ft. 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

If You Decide to Ski (First Trimester Only)

Understand this is against medical advice. If you proceed:

Minimize Risk By:

Skiing only green (easy) runs Avoiding crowded areas Skiing mornings only (fresh legs) Taking frequent breaks Staying extremely hydrated Stopping at first sign of fatigue Having a ski buddy with you Knowing the location of ski patrol

Avoid:

Any challenging terrain Moguls, trees, or terrain parks High-speed runs Very cold or icy conditions Long days on the mountain High-altitude resorts

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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

Planning Your Ski Trip While Pregnant

Questions to Consider

How far along will you be? (First trimester only for skiing)
What's the resort's elevation? (Lower is safer)
What's your ski level? (Expert = lower fall risk)
Is there a hospital nearby? (Important for any emergency)
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)

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

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.