02/10/2026
Orthopedic surgeon here 👋🏽⛷️
Let’s talk real talk about skiing aggressively without an ACL—because I get this question a lot on the slopes and in the clinic. FIRST PRAYERS TO LINDSEY VONN FOR A HEALTHY RECOVERY!
Can you do it?
👉 Yes, some people can.
Should you?
👉 That depends— definitely not a flex.
What the ACL actually does
main stabilizer that prevents the tibia from sliding forward and controls rotational forces. Skiing—especially downhill, carving hard, moguls, variable snow—is basically a rotational stress gr***de.
Why skiing feels “possible” without an ACL
• Ski boots limit ankle motion, which can reduce stress on the knee
• Strong quads and hamstrings can partially compensate
• Experienced skiers sometimes adapt their technique subconsciously
So yes, some ACL-deficient skiers rip groomers and feel “fine.”
Here’s the catch (ALERT‼️)
🚨 Aggressive skiing = unpredictable forces
• Sudden edge catch
• Backseat landing
• Variable snow
• Fatigue late in the day
Without an ACL, those moments dramatically increase your risk of:
• Meniscus tears
• Cartilage damage
• Early knee arthritis
• A knee “giving way” at the worst possible time
Those injuries are often worse than the original ACL tear.
Can a brace save you?
A functional ACL brace can help, especially for straight-line skiing, but:
• It does not replace the ACL
• It does not fully protect against rotation
• Confidence ≠ protection
My surgeon take 🩺
If you’re:
• Skiing conservatively
• On predictable terrain
• Strong, well-trained, and symptom-free
👉 You might get away with it short-term.
If you’re:
• Charging hard
• Skiing bumps, trees, powder, or variable snow
• Experiencing instability or swelling
👉 You’re rolling the dice on long-term knee damage.
Bottom line
You can ski without an ACL.
You can even ski well.
But aggressive downhill skiing without an ACL is a calculated risk, not a loophole.
Your future knees will remember the choices you make today.
Stay strong. Ski smart. Protect your joints. 🦵❄️ SportsMedicine OrthopedicSurgeon