Crazy Winter Sports That Lead to Excessive Injuries

Winter sports that make the most of the snow and ice may be exciting, but they also tend to be among the most dangerous outdoor activities. These can lead to a variety of injuries, including everything from broken bones to concussions. The following winter activities are especially risky:

Skijoring

Nordic skiing provides a great workout and a winter version of runner’s high, but it can be even more fun when accompanied by man’s best friend. Skijoring brings dogs (and sometimes, horses) into the mix, with incorporated animals towing their human companions through the snow. This can be exceedingly dangerous, as it combines all the usual risks of skiing with additional speed and potentially wayward animal behavior.

Downhill Ice Cross

Often referred to as Crashed Ice, this extreme support involves a steep slope in an urban environment, where speed skaters navigate sharp turns, major drops, and a variety of other obstacles while attempting to beat competitors to the finish line. Racers risk landing in the hospital with spinal injuries and severe leg fractures.

Snocross

Like downhill ice cross, snocross involves an extreme track that is chock full of obstacles. This particular activity, however, takes place on a high-performance snowmobile, which may reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Crashes could lead to traumatic brain injuries or severe spinal damage.

Ice Diving

One of the deadliest winter activities, ice diving occurs, as its name suggests, under ice, with only one entry and exit point typically available. In winter conditions, regulators run the risk of failing. Even if all goes as planned during a dive, participants could suffer hypothermia or even be lost under the ice.