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Just became a member of skinet.com. So, sorry if you have tried to turn this off or have already received replies similar to mine. I am speaking as a fellow expert level skiier and lost-ACLer as well as a Physical Therapist with a doctorate degree and a board certification in orthopaedic PT. Some people are able to cope without an ACL. Which is GREAT!! It's certainly the cheaper alternative in the short run and requires far less time off of skis. However, I have seen so many young (20-30 year old) skiers who have opted out of surgery in the first few years but have ultimately ended up doing the surgery 2-5 years after injury secondary to traumatic arthritis. This arthritis builds up as a result of the microscopic movement between the leg and thigh bones, imperceptible but certainly there (that an intact ACL would have otherwise restricted). My advice, which will serve you in the long run, is that you get that ACL replaced as soon as you are able. On the flip side, I am also a ski instructor and work with 2 guys (both PSIA Levels III Alpine) who have both been skiing well for >20 years without ACLs. Good luck in whatever you decide! I opted to have mine replaced so that I can ski bumps, steeps, trail run and mountain bike without limit.