I Thought Skiing in the US was Becoming Increasingly Risky, Then I Went to France!
Photo by Boris Misevic on Unsplash
Last season I was fortunate to be skiing in the French Alps. One day I was skiing a crowded feeder trail to a lift and was about 200 yards from the maze. As I was making my way down, using the eyes in the back of my head I saw a snowboarder on an intercept course with me. Within seconds he was threatening my space. As he closed on me, I instinctively resorted to my defensive tackle days and gave him a straight arm to avoid an impact. He fell. I stopped and asked if he was OK. He said yes and apologized for nearly hitting me. I saw this scenario repeated over the week I was there. In fact, one afternoon while having lunch I couldn’t help but notice that about every 20 minutes or so, the ski patrol was bringing another person down in a sled escorted by a snowmobile. The rate of injured skiers seemed as steep as some of the trails there.
Of course, not everyone in France skied like a nut (in fact, French skiers in general were quite courteous). But every day, on every run there were skiers heading straight down the trail at excessive speeds, making no turns and never, ever saying ‘on your left” or “on your right”. They just flew by you in a flash. Our guide told us, for reasons he didn’t understand, teaching that particular safety rule had fallen out of vogue. It shows.
Seniorsskiing.com is a proud supporter of Snow Angels, an organization that promotes skier safety and Ski Guardians, a company producing a safety device consisting of banners on your poles that help you claim the space immediately around you as you ski down the mountain. Of course, they have their work cut out for them here in the US but if they saw what I saw in France they would cover their eyes and cringe.
There is no doubt advancements in equipment have made skiing safer. Skis are now designed to be more stable, enabling skiers to maintain control and allowing them to carve turns more efficiently and reach higher speeds. When combined with crowded slopes, this can be a recipe for disaster. Even skilled skiers may have difficulty reacting in time to avoid a collision in such conditions. Design innovations in ski bindings, which release more effectively during falls, help prevent leg injuries, particularly ACL tears (There was a time when a boot-top break was the #1 ski injury.) Helmets are now considered essential gear, significantly reducing the severity of head injuries. Despite these improvements, accidents still occur at an alarming rate, leading some to question whether other factors are offsetting these advancements.
Given the popularity of the corporate resort passes one undeniable change in the ski industry is the increasing number of people hitting the slopes at the same time. Resorts are experiencing higher visitor numbers, leading to more crowded conditions. This congestion can result in a higher risk of collisions, especially when skiers of varying skill levels share the same slopes. Beginners may struggle to control their speed and direction, while more experienced skiers may weave through crowds at high speeds, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Climate change has also played a role in ski safety, altering snow conditions in ways that make skiing riskier. Warmer temperatures and erratic weather patterns have led to a more unpredictable snowpack, increasing the chances of avalanches and unstable skiing surfaces. Ice patches, slushy snow, and thinly covered areas with hidden rocks or tree stumps all pose hazards to skiers, making falls and injuries more likely. Moreover, inconsistent snowfall patterns mean that ski resorts rely more heavily on artificial snowmaking. While artificial snow can provide coverage, it often creates a harder, icier surface than natural snow, increasing the likelihood of high-speed falls and injuries. Skiers who are accustomed to powdery snow may struggle to adjust to these conditions, further contributing to the risk factor.
Data on skiing injuries provides mixed insights into whether skiing has become less safe over time. While overall injury rates have remained relatively stable, the nature of injuries has changed. Fatal accidents, often linked to high-speed impacts or avalanches, continue to occur, though at a low frequency relative to the total number of skiers. Head injuries have decreased due to increased helmet use, but severe leg injuries, including fractures and ligament tears, remain a concern.
Some studies indicate that collision-related accidents have become more common due to crowded slopes and high speeds. Additionally, backcountry accidents have seen a rise as more skiers venture off-piste without adequate preparation. Despite safety advancements, these emerging trends suggest that skiing’s risks are evolving rather than diminishing.
So, is skiing becoming less safe? Unfortunately, the answer is not straight forward. Here are some current statistics on ski safety in the United States:
- In the 2022–2023 season, there were 46 fatalities, 37 of which were skiers. The common cause? Excessive speed, loss of control, and collisions with stationary objects.
- Snowboarders are 33% less likely to be killed in a crash than skiers.
- Most fatalities occur on more difficult “intermediate” terrain.
- More men are victims of skiing accident deaths than women.
- Skiing and snowboarding have similar injury rates. There are about 1.2 injuries per 100,000 participants and around 2-3 injuries per 1,000 skier days.
- Fractures are the most common injury, followed by strains and sprains.
- Fatalities from chairlift and aerial ropeway mechanical malfunctions are rare.
Some studies show a significant rise in ski-related emergency room visits over recent years, indicating a potential trend towards more accidents. Approximately 200,000 skiing and snowboarding related injuries are treated in US emergency rooms annually. While most skiers with injuries are discharged the same day roughly 7,000 or 1% of those cases requiring hospitalization each year.
For skiers looking to stay safe, the key lies in awareness and responsibility. Choosing appropriate slopes, wearing protective gear, following resort safety guidelines, and avoiding reckless behavior can help mitigate risks. While skiing will always carry an inherent level of danger, mindful decision-making and respect for safety measures can help keep the sport as safe as possible.
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Hi,
I totally agree with the failure to pass on skiing etiquette and I hold the ski areas responsible for doing this.
I’ve skied for 62 years. I have very little tolerance for irresponsible or dangerous behavior. Just last season I chased a college student down the mountain to the base area after he missed me by inches. I confronted him for his unsafe behavior loudly enough for those around to hear, including his friends. His response was to say, “I knew where you were going”. I that either of us could have caught an edge and fallen and that his behavior was dangerous, that the width of the trail provided ample room for safe passage and that as the overtaking skier, he was obligated to avoid the downhill skier, even if it required that he slow down.
While working for Jay Peak and Burke, we were able to send a very clear message to irresponsible behavior through the skier’s lift ticket. Any employee of the area was empowered to draw a slash across a skier’s lift ticket for irresponsible skiing, and inform them that the next slash would cancel their right to ski that day and we’d remove their ticket.
The electronic lift passes makes that option virtually impossible, but I think ski areas need to find a way to reinstate a means to penalize skiers who fail to ski responsibly. I know that law suits have really driven prices up, but ski areas are promoting the sport but failing to promote skier responsibilities and “rules of the road”.
David, as you already know I am in total agreement with what you have written. this year’s Utah trip will be the test. After fighting the crowds last year at Snow Basin, I bought a season pass for Powder Mountain. (which was free in the past for 75+) hopefully there will be lots fewer people there as in the past with lots of terrain and a comfort that few people will be flying by. I also use my ski guardian flags, that seem to work since I do get fewer people flying by. In addition, I am going to add a red flashing light to my helmet soon.
The ski guardian/red flashing light are great ideas. This season I am going to try wearing a brightly colored safety vest (like construction workers wear). I’ve quit skiing on weekends/holidays due to safety/overcrowding issues. If I stop on a run, I’m always at an edge and traverse as little as possible. If I do traverse I look uphill first. There are many skiers/snowboarders that have minimal technical skills. These individuals tend to straight-line rather than making rounded arc turns. This makes their speed way too high for safety. The Skier Code is unknown to these reckless individuals.
My skiing reputation starts with 67 years on the slopes…. so from time to time I am asked for advice when a ski trip is in planning, and I always begin with my number one feature: let the snowboarders go first… and keep them below you at all times when possible. The second piece of advice is to go to Alta!
I’m 100% in agreement with the fear (and anger) of out of control skiers and boarders. Two years ago, several of us started working on rear-view mirrors specifically suited for on the slopes. We had some great results with prototypes last winter. The prototype saved me from what I am sure would have been a season-ending collision my first day using. We will build off that to launch our first product (a goggle strap-mounted version) this winter. We plan to offer it here on seniorsskiing.com. Fingers crossed, it will be available in about a month. BTW, Chauncy Johnson who founded and heads up the Snow Angel Foundation, which David mentioned, is an advisor. Check them out; it’s a great organization!
I didn’t see anyone mention the ease of bombing straight down perfectly groomed slopes. The same surfaces that give us such great pleasure and effortless carving also allow rank beginners to straightline for miles. I’ve had beginners in a sitting position pass me going crazy fast. I allow room on both sides when I’m carving turns on both sides, and I look uphill at the beginning of each turn. If you get in the path of a bombing beginner, they may not be able to avoid you. You are safer off piste at least.
I didn’t see anyone mention the ease of bombing straight down perfectly groomed slopes. The same surfaces that give us such great pleasure and effortless carving also allow rank beginners to straightline for miles. I’ve had beginners in a sitting position pass me going crazy fast. I allow room on both sides when I’m carving turns, and I look uphill at the beginning of each turn. If you get in the path of a bombing beginner, they may not be able to avoid you. You are safer off piste at least.
Where is the evidence that bindings (with the exception of the Knee Binding) protect against anterior cruciate injury? I think their inability to protect the ACL is well documented.
So, my first day of the season was Wednesday. And, the chair was very slow, so I got to talk to a lot of people on the lift. And, one thing I was curious about was injuries, since I never see people being taken down in a sled. Honestly, never! I only see the ski patrol practicing taking down a sled. So, I asked how many a day.
And the answer was shocking. I had asked this question the year before, and the patroller told me 25-30 on a busy weekend. On Wednesday, the young patroller says it could be as high as 50 on the busiest weekend day. Of course, some of those are just tired people, but still, 50 sled rides down is a huge number even for this big resort in NE. Shocking.
And, it made me realize the value in skiing on less crowded weekdays; and avoiding crowded slopes, particularly where beginner trails meet more difficult trails.
Okay, I do have to admit, I did see one sled ride last year at Brighton. I was visiting, and I came across a young man who had fallen in the fresh snow. I flagged down a patrol and stayed until the young man was in a sled. He had a knee injury. Stay safe!
Looking for a “safe” place to ski, hit a ‘Black’ or ‘Double Black’.
Blue and Green trails are more like being on the 7-10 L A freeway lanes, you constantly check your side and rear view mirrors, monitor what cars ahead are doing and do everything to avoid a crash, as do the majority of drivers around you… Personally, I feel ‘safer’ on the freeway; granted, surrounded by my metal cocoon. My point being, do the “Straight-liners” use the same behavior around other cars on the road as they do on the hill… only looking at the hood of the car/the tips of their skis and not who is around? That kind of ‘behavior’ would never be tolerated on a golf or tennis court, or in any other sports arena, except maybe in a Professional Wrestling ring… Ski areas need to step up on-the- hill “policing’ to keep everyone ‘safe’… At times when I have, politely, suggested to ‘speed demons’, too close for comfort, to give more room, I have been met with replies too nasty to repeat…
East coast, U.S. Skier, here. I’m still working at feeling comfortable on blacks and double blacks are still in my future. I have noticed that when I do the occassional single black, that the it’s not as crowded and the “straight liners” are almost non-existent. So I go to thinking that perhaps it’s almost impossible to straight line on a black because the speed would become so intense that the straighliners would be too afraid or would end up getting hurt. I’m thinking with good stradegy on may part, the more difficult terrain could actually be safer!
Common sense is not common. Poor judgement, endangerment of others starts with our Felon in Chief and flows downhill. narcissist rules! I’m retired and limit my skiing to weekday mornings from opening until my legs quit – about two hours. I’m very fortunate to be able to do this. As a former college racer and retired coach I know my ability and it’s limits. Other skiers scare me. When I stop on the hill (rarely) I stand just downhill of a lift tower or snow gun which offer shelter from descending skiers. I have little hope that skiers judgement will improve – just look at the way they drive!
speed demons on the hill are a real problem, seems boarders are worse, one trick that works is if you hear or maybe see someone coming on you really fast, hold poles really tight against your body and pointed backwards, -paper tags used to say skiing is a dangerous sport but being stabbed because your stupid is even more dangerous
Larry, am I understanding you right? You’re advocating setting the pointed end of your poles towards the on-coming skier, right? That’s an incredibly bad idea. You could be opening yourself up to potential criminal charges if you injured someone in that way, not to mention you just escalated a collision into a stabbing. Many years ago I was skiing down a mogul run at Crotched Mountain in NH. As I made turns down the hill a skier stopped below me pointed his poles directly at me. I was shocked to see it was a ski patrolman! I skied down, got on the lift, and headed to the patrol shack. He was there along with a half-dozen or so other patrollers. I confronted and berated him about his abhorrent behavior in front of his peers. They had a hard time believing anyone would ever do such a thing. To everyone out there, don’t do this. If you have time to position your poles for an impact you may also have time to get out of the way.
i don’t set poles anywhere, i usually have them pointed backwards to a degree, i’m saying if you hear danger coming hold poles tight and against your body, i never turn around to see them they should be seeing me
Larry, thanks for clarifying. Hugging your poles to protect your body is a useful defense mechanism. It may help lessen the impact of edges, etc. if you can pull it off.
The carving obsession is creating dangerous skiers. Far too fast and skiing in an insanely wide corridor is a recipe for disaster.
I stick to the bump runs and steeps to stay away from the carvers.