Industry News
This article is based on original reporting and research by Jason Blevins. Visit The Colorado Sun for more details and a breakdown.
Thirteen individuals lost their lives on Colorado ski slopes during the 2024-25 season, marking a slight decline from previous years, according to annual data compiled by The Colorado Sun. The fatalities were eight skiers and five snowboarders, predominantly occurring on intermediate and beginner runs across the state’s 27 ski areas.
Victims ranged in age from 20 to 76, with ten men and three women among the deceased. Five deaths were reported days or weeks following the initial incidents. Causes included two heart attacks, one case of snow suffocation, and ten trauma-related injuries from falls. Notably, at least ten fatalities occurred on intermediate or beginner slopes, underscoring that less challenging terrain does not equate to lower risk.
Unlike some states, Colorado ski areas are not mandated to publicly report fatalities. Resorts typically release minimal information, often limited to brief statements and condolences. Furthermore, the industry does not classify medical events, such as heart attacks occurring on the slopes, as ski area fatalities, reports Blevins.
- Related: Family Contests Liability Waivers and Colorado Ski Safety Act in Lawsuit Against Vail Resorts
Nationally, the 2023-24 ski season recorded 35 deaths at U.S. ski areas, below the 10-year average of 42, as the National Ski Areas Association reported. Of these, 28 were skiers and seven were snowboarders, with most fatal incidents occurring on intermediate slopes. Only five individuals were not wearing helmets at the time of their accidents. The national death rate per million skier visits reached a 10-year low of 0.58. In contrast, Colorado’s rate remains higher, with approximately one fatality per million visits, nearly double the national average. Despite the risks, fatalities remain rare relative to the millions of skier visits each year.
The ski industry’s approach to safety emphasizes personal responsibility. The Skier’s Responsibility Code, updated in 2022, outlines expected behaviors on lift-served terrain. Recent safety initiatives have highlighted the importance of lift safety, terrain park awareness, and the dangers of deep snow suffocation near trees. Campaigns like “Ride Another Day,” inspired by the tragic death of 5-year-old Elise Johnson in Wyoming, continue to advocate for controlled speed and awareness on the slopes.
The 2024-25 season also saw three backcountry avalanche fatalities. 2023-24 saw two, and 2022-23 saw 11.
