plan of action... go skiing. It's winter!
Ok.., but be clear on what the risk is.
A few assumptions: let’s assume ( hope) your cardiologist explained exactly why you’re on an anticoagulant. Usually the indications are pretty clear cut and for sure, blood thinners are not prescribed lightly or casually.
Now let’s assume you’re on an anticoagulant on a permanent basis. Because, if it’s a temporary thing , than the smart thing is to wait it out before skiing again.
Next assumption:
you’re on one of the DOAC anticoagulants. They are a newer type blood thinner and generally believed to be safer ( fewer unprovoked episodes of serious bleeding particularly inside the head). That they are somewhat safer ( fewer bleeds, easier to control / live with, etc) than old style blood thinners may look like a green light to ski. Hey, less risk. But, in case of trauma there’s no real difference between DOACs and old style blood thinners. Hit your head and there’s a real risk of a serious ( lethal or debilitating) bleed inside the skull / brain. Doesn’t matter if it happens in a crash while you’re hucking off something, you catch an edge and go down hard on a bunny hill, or get run into at 10 mph by an errant beginner. Helmet or no helmet.
Fact is, you MAY be able to find a doc who will tell you , yeah, go ahead if it’s that important to you ( skiing). But I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a reputable doc who will recommend alpine skiing while on anticoagulants. On the other hand: a second cardiology opinion re whether or not you MUST be on life long anticoagulation ( totally depends on the underlying disease/ circumstances) may be worth the effort .
Bottom line : it’s all about risk and downhill skiing is very very risky ( ie: risk of death or serious brain injury) when you’re on blood thinners. Cross country ( nordic) fine… alpine , big risk regardless of your skill, experience, or willingness to dial it back.
Your call.
And yes, I’m an interventional cardiologist so you can guess my bias. But as a lifelong fanatical skier I also “ get it” . I can’t imagine winter without being on thehill so I really hope it turns out your current predicament turns out to be temporary.
