Ski and Snowboard Accidents

Vail, Colorado Ski & Snowboard Accident Attorneys

Cold wind in your face, fresh powder beneath your feet: skiing and snowboarding in Colorado epitomize the true essence of the state. Nature and action come together for a recreational activity that you can enjoy best in the mountains we call home.

With skiing and snowboarding, unfortunately, come accidents and injury. As you know, no experienced skier or snowboarder has navigated the slopes without some sort of injury. You constantly put your body at risk when you push yourself to new heights, new tricks, greater obstacles, and faster speeds.

In some cases, the accident and subsequent injury is not your fault. The negligence of others can cause collisions and other types of accidents that can lead to severe harm and ruin an otherwise enjoyable time on the slopes.

When a ski trip turns into a hospital trip, trust a ski accident lawyer in Vail, Colorado from Sears & Associates, P.C. Call (719) 982-2523 for a free consultation about your ski accident.

Who is liable for my ski or snowboard accident?

Skiers and snowboarders assume inherent risks under the Colorado Ski Safety Act. “Inherent dangers and risks of skiing” is defined as weather conditions, snow conditions, bare spots, forest growth, rocks, impact with signs and posts, variations in terrain, and other hazards that could cause injury. (Co. Rev. Stat §33-44-103(3.5))

The Ski Safety Act also places certain responsibilities on skiers and snowboarders. For example, skiers are responsible for knowing their ability level and to stay within the limits of their ability. (Co. Rev. Stat. §33-44-109(1)) That is to say, skiers should not attempt the most difficult slopes when they do not have the requisite experience and skill to do so.

Any ski or snowboarding lawsuit will hinge on investigating the accident to establish whether it is the result of an inherent risk assumed by the skier, the skier’s own negligence, or if another party caused or contributed to the accident.

The Ski Safety Act, in addition to placing responsibilities on skiers, clearly denotes the duties of ski area operators. (Co. Rev. Stat. §33-44-107) For instance, ski area operators must:

• Place signs marking the least and most difficult trails and slopes.
• Mark ski area boundaries that are clear and readily visible.
• Mark all hydrants, water pipes, and other manmade structures that are not readily visible.

Our team of skiing accident lawyers investigates your accident and compiles evidence that lets us establish the reckless or negligent actions and inactions that contributed to your accident. Armed with this information, we work to identify the liable parties, which may include:

• Other skiers (e.g., negligent or aggressive skiers)
• Ski lift operators (e.g., improperly maintained ski lifts, broken ski lifts, negligent operators)
• Ski resort employees or owners (e.g., misuse of equipment, improperly trained employees)
• Ski equipment manufacturers (e.g., defective equipment)

If one of these parties failed in its duties set forth under Colorado law to ensure your safety on ski lifts or on the slopes, that party may be liable in a ski accident lawsuit. Our skiing accident attorneys will build your case to establish that your injuries were the result of the defendant’s negligence or recklessness to help you obtain a fair settlement or judgement.

How difficult is it to win ski and snowboard accident claims?

If another party was negligent or reckless and caused your ski accident, that party could be liable for your damages. Proving your loss in another matter. The evidence needed to prove this comes from many sources. Depending on your case, you might need:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Accident or ski patrol reports
• Equipment inspections
• Ski resort employee records
• Weather reports
• Medical records