Industry News
A 67-year-old skier was left with two broken ribs and a fractured pelvis after being struck by a snowboarder in a hit-and-run incident at Winter Park Resort in Colorado.
Jonathan Babcock, who has been skiing for 55 years, was on the Village Way trail on February 9 when he was hit by a snowboarder who then fled the scene. Babcock had stopped to help other skiers when the snowboarder, reportedly in control and moving at a high rate of speed, struck him and launched him into a nearby tree well.
“At that point, I was in shock. I was upset. I was hurt. For the next eight minutes, I was so mad that I didn’t look at the guy. My sister saw him regrouping and stretching with a bunch of guys in their upper twenties.”
– Jonathan Babcock told the Denver Gazette
Babcock was transported to a Denver hospital and spent two days receiving treatment for his injuries. He spoke out about the growing issue of hit-and-run incidents on Colorado’s ski slopes, which he believes are exacerbated by inexperienced skiers and snowboarders.
“There are a lot of tourists that think they can learn by themselves and are really menaces. This guy was a worse menace because he was a good snowboarder. He was in control and decided to do it in a crowded area.”
– Jonathan Babcock
Winter Park Resort acknowledged the issue, stating that ski patrol cooperates with local authorities when necessary and that the resort is working to expand its volunteer safety ambassadors to help remind guests to ski and ride in control.
Despite his injuries, Babcock, who works part-time at the resort, said his love of skiing remains strong, though he may need to “rethink” his goal of skiing until age 80.
According to the Colorado Ski Safety Act, skiers involved in a collision on the slopes where an injury results are required by law to stop and exchange information. The Colorado Ski Safety Act states that “No skier involved in a collision with another skier or person in which an injury results shall leave the vicinity of the collision except for the purpose of securing aid for a person injured in the collision; in which event the person so leaving the scene of the collision shall give his or her name and current address as required by section 33-44-109 (11).”
Failing to stop and provide one’s name and contact information after a collision that results in injury is considered a Class 2 petty offense under Colorado law, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. This requirement ensures accountability and allows for the proper reporting and investigation of ski collision incidents that lead to injuries on the slopes.
This incident comes just a few years after a similar hit-and-run accident at nearby Eldora Mountain Resort that resulted in the death of renowned ski instructor Ron LeMaster. In that case, the snowboarder involved was found guilty of leaving the scene of the collision, a petty offense, and was ordered to pay a $500 fine and complete 40 hours of community service. LeMaster, a highly respected figure in the ski industry, was the author of several influential books on skiing technique and had worked with the U.S. Ski Team and ski schools in Aspen and Vail during his career.
Two areas where I saw a great deal of reckless skiing were Alta & Stowe. Alta was poorly patrolled and Stowe was over run with prep school brats. I won’t go back to either place.