Fractured two vertebrates summer 2009 on the Whistler glacier. Could barely walk, hit rehab hard during the remainder of the summer and fall. Skied winter 2009/2010 and never progressed so hard in my life before over the course of that winter. obviously my back would hurt after a long day of skiing, but I would make my best of effort to stretch and stay active. Skied this summer on the glacier again, it almost didn't bother me at all. You basically get to a point if you recover properly where you heal to about 90-95%. You will never be 100%, ask anyone who has suffered a spinal injury, but you can bring it back to 95% and that shouldn't hold you back to much skiing and being active. Best advice is do yoga, stretch, and keep your back strong.