In the past several years, the amount of skiable terrain in North America has not significantly grown (only about one percent per year), and the number of skiers has remained relatively flat. In contrast, the number of snowboarders has increased at a rate of about 20 percent per year in recent years, and there have been significant improvements in the speed and capacity of ski lifts. The end result is that density of skiers and snowboarders on the mountains has increased. This means that the risk of collisions may be greater, and therefore increased attention to ski safety is required for all skiers and snowboarders to prevent ski accidents and personal injury.

Causes of Ski and Snowboard Accidents

Ski or snowboard accidents can occur as a result of:

• Collisions with other skier/snowboarders
• Ski area negligence, such as poorly marked or maintained slopes, or ski instructor negligence
• Collisions with snowmobiles or snow maintenance equipment used at the ski resort
• Collisions with natural objects (such as trees)
• Lift accidents

Common Injuries

About 165,000 people are injured on the slopes each year. There is a significant correlation between snowboard/ski injury rates and age, gender, and experience. Snowboarders are statistically younger than skiers and the proportion of males is higher for both skiing and snowboarding.

The types of injuries from ski accidents are often different than those from snowboarding. Upper extremities injuries and splenic injuries are more common for snowboarders, whereas lower extremity injuries (knees in particular) are more common in skiers. Head injuries occur at a similar rate for both skiers and snowboarders. The recent high-profile broken leg injury of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (December 2006) supports the injury data for skiers.

Serious and fatal injuries are less common in skiing and snowboarding than in other sports (such as bicycling). The average fatality rate for skiing/snowboarding from for the years 1995 to 2005 has averaged 38. This statistic includes that death of well-known congressman Sonny Bono, who died in 1998 after slamming into a tree while skiing.

Ski Safety

Ski safety begins with each skier and snowboarder taking responsibility for their personal safety and the safety of others. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has established a list of safety tips called “Your Responsibility Code” which is displayed in ski resorts. Those who break the code can lose their pass privileges. The “code” reminds skiers and snowboarders to:

• Stay in control (ski within your ability) an be able to stop or avoid objects;
• Give people ahead the right of way;
• Look uphill when starting on or merging into a trail;
• Move the side of trail when stopping;
• Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment;
• Observe posted signs and warnings, including staying off closed trails and out of closed areas;
• Know how to load, ride, and unload lifts safely.

Many ski resorts have taken additional safety precautions by establishing family ski areas with gentle slopes and slower speeds. Although safe skiing and snowboarding practices are the best prevention for accidents, proper fitting equipment, helmets, help reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, understanding the needs of your body at high altitudes, such as fatigue, can enhance your personal safety.

If you have sustained injuries during a ski or snowboarding accident, contact an experienced attorney to find out if you might have a valid claim.  You could receive compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages and future medical care, from your ski injury lawsuit.