Keeping Athletes on the Slopes: Life as a Snowsport Physio

If you ask ChatGPT what makes being a sports physio so difficult, it comes up with lots of different points to consider. The high pressure environment, the variety and complexity of different injuries, the physical demands and there's a lot more.

Imagine all of that...but in the snow.

We recently announced that we had partnered with GB Snowsport to become their official tape supplier, so we thought that we would take the opportunity to sit down with one of their lead physiotherapists to get an inside look at what it really takes to work in elite snowsports.

In case you aren't already aware — GB Snowsport is the National Governing Body for all snowsports in the UK. That just means that they manage the 12 Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. They select, manage and lead all the British teams to all the international events and are, effectively, giving all of the established and up-and-coming athletes a platform to put their names in the history books.

Now, allow me to introduce, Ali Robb (@alisonphysio)— Lead Physio for Ski and Snowboard Slopestyle, Big Air and Half-Pipe. She's been working in the industry for over 10 years and has been able to work at some of the biggest events in the world, such as multiple Winter Olympics.

As she described it, her main responsibility as one of the lead physios for the team, is to prevent as many injuries as possible for their snowsport athletes. Working closely with the S&C team is vital for including that the athletes are getting a well-rounded programme. 

It shouldn't be a surprise to hear that working in some of the extreme conditions, that Ali will be used to, can be really challenging. Working with snow, specifically, is certainly unique.

Before we get into the taping side of things, let's just take a look at what sort of injuries are the most common on the slopes.

As Ali put it, "the injuries that we tend to see, particularly in, freestyle snowboard and ski are pretty varied. Knees are always vulnerable due to the big rotational and compressive forces, and the long levers involved, as are the shoulders, hips and spine". Along with that, it's pretty common for them to see back and neck injuries, as well as the occasional concussion.

And that's where taping and recovery comes into it. As the physio, it's Ali's responsibility to keep everyone taped up but she also explained to us how she "finds it useful to show the athlete the taping techniques, so they can apply it themselves if needed". 

Given the type of injuries that occur in snowsports, it makes sense why Alison picked out Kinesiology Tape and Zinc Oxide Tape and two of her go-to rolls.

"We use Kinesiology Tape to help with dispersal of fluid and bruising that occurs through the nastier falls. We also use it in circumstances where athletes have stressed certain muscle groups, as it provides a comfortable support to the muscles and the joint which they work, allowing the body part to still move, exercise and recover.

"When looking for a more rigid support at a joint we like to use the Tan Zinc Oxide with the Fixation Tape underneath for some added skin protection. For ankles especially, I quite like a combo of Zinc and Kinesiology Tape and we find this works well."

It's a pretty exciting time to be involved with GB Snowsport, especially when you've got physios, like Ali Robb, looking after you on and off the slopes.

Currently, the team are in their pre-Olympic qualification season with it all leading up to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in February next year. From what we understand, it’s a pretty hectic competition circuit and all the athletes are worth keeping an eye on.

Ali picked out a few names to follow this season. Mia Brookes (@mia_brookes), who just won the Big Air World Cup in China has been capturing the headlines, not just in the UK.

In both the Ski Slopestyle and Big Air, Kirsty Muir (@kirski12) is just returning to snow after knee and shoulder surgery earlier on this year and Zoe Atkin (@zoeaatkin) is always one to watch in ski halfpipe.

The future is really bright for British snowsport athletes and we're delighted to be able to help, even in such a small way.

And that's it! The life of a snowsport physio might be hectic and come with its challenges, but when you're in the position that Ali Robb is, there's a great deal to be excited about. We'll be helping her to ensure that their athletes are taped up and ready to dominate. 

If you want to learn any more about taping for a specific snowsport, feel free to get in touch or head to our learn page for all of our taping applications and helpful guides!