Hi guys, please note that I said skill limit not ski limit although the former does imply the latter in general but not necessarily the opposite. Also, I didn't state knee injuries don't occur. It's just that more often than not they are preventable (versus not really the case with concussions). Knee injuries (ACL particularly) tends to happen when one falls abruptly dropping behind and between his/her knees. That doesn't happen often when a skier can naturally stay in front or centered. Our bodies tell us to freeze up and drop in the backseat when we are skiing out of our comfort zone. Unfortunately, most novice and recreational skiers (especially those who wing it without formal lessons) do this even in more moderate conditions. And, when they go on something that they aren't ready for (due to peer pressure or whatever), watch out.
You see what I mean by skiing within skill limit now. That is also one of the reasons why I'm a strong advocate of proper instructions (same for gymnastics coaching).
Just so that you don't think that I'm blowing smoke and I speak also from experience... (please allow me to say this just one last time GT) I am not a strong skier (just merely advanced) but I do it several times a week during the season and I was a ski instructors several years ago. In addition, both of my girls are USSA Junior alpine racers who's been skiing since they were 4-5 (yes, any age before that is just playing and is too young in that sport). They are also free-skiers at the expert level in any terrain and condition.
And, gymgurl, I totally agree about the part in injuring others and snowboarding/skier accidents. Snowboarding in itself is more dangerous because of the common wrist fractures themselves. But, is gymnastics less dangerous than skiing (just injuries in general)? Judging from the competitive gymnasts and skiers that I'm surrounded with, I'm not so sure if I agree with that one.