Should Ski Resorts Have Speed Limits? Skiers Weigh In

Should ski resorts impose speed limits on the slopes? It sounds simple, but the question sparked a surprisingly heated debate among SnowBrains readers. While a small group supported speed limits on beginner and crowded terrain, the overwhelming response was that a skier’s speed should depend on their ability, the conditions, the terrain, and the people around them. For most readers, the issue isn’t how fast you’re going. It’s whether you’re in control.

Speed Isn’t the Problem, Control Is

The most common argument was that speed itself isn’t necessarily dangerous, but losing control is. “Speed is irrelevant; it’s all about control,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “If you’re not in control, you’re going too fast. For some, that’s 10 mph. Others are 60.” That was a common theme throughout the discussion. Many readers believe an experienced skier can safely travel much faster on a wide-open run than a beginner can on a crowded green.

Several commenters also pointed out that conditions should determine how fast someone skis. One reader wrote, “No. If there’s nobody around, I should be able to go as fast as wind resistance vs. gravity allows. If the slope is crowded then probably not that fast…but a hard limit is silly.”

Beginner Runs Are Different

Although most readers opposed universal speed limits, there was more support for limiting speed on beginner terrain, slow zones, merges, and crowded runs. “Greens, yes. Groomed blues, yes, unless more open and remote. Conditional circumstances need to apply,” one commenter wrote. Another simply said, “Yes, greens and beginner terrain.”

Several readers pointed out that ski resorts already have designated slow zones. Rather than creating a maximum speed for every run, they argued that these areas should be clearly marked and enforced. “There are designated ‘slow skiing’ areas on most mountains,” one commenter wrote. “People do need areas where they feel safe to learn.”

How Would You Measure Speed?

Another major objection was the practical problem of measuring and enforcing a speed limit. Most skiers don’t have speedometers on their skis or snowboards, leading several commenters to ask how they would even know whether they were breaking the rules. “Who’s got a speedometer?” one reader asked. Another wrote, “How would a skier know their speed? How would anyone check that speed?”

There are apps and devices that can track speed, but commenters questioned whether ski patrol could realistically enforce a specific speed limit across an entire resort.

• Related: How Tracking Apps Have Changed the Way People Ski

Personal Responsibility Matters

Many readers argued that resorts already have the right idea with the existing skier responsibility rules. Their preferred solution was more awareness and personal accountability rather than another rule. “No. How about more personal accountability…and more look before you merge…and more pay attention to your surroundings. That is all,” one commenter wrote.

Others emphasized that skiers need to stay in control, avoid stopping in dangerous locations, look uphill before merging, and adjust their speed when conditions change.

• Related: Skier/Rider Responsibility Code Updated With 3 New Points

Fast Doesn’t Always Mean Reckless

Several commenters also made the distinction between skiing fast and skiing recklessly. A skier traveling quickly on an empty run may pose little risk to others, while a slower skier can create a dangerous situation by making unpredictable turns or stopping in the middle of the trail. “Speed isn’t the issue. It’s skiers/boarders who are reckless, stop at weird places, take up the whole hill, don’t pay attention,” one reader wrote. But other commenters pointed out that collisions can have serious consequences, even when someone believes they are skiing within their ability.

One reader shared that they had lost a friend after an out-of-control skier hit them on a groomed run. “I like to ski fast but not around a bunch of people!” the commenter wrote.

Final Verdict

Based on the comments, most SnowBrains readers don’t think a universal speed limit on ski slopes is necessary. The stronger argument was for skiing in control and adjusting speed to the situation. That means slowing down around beginners, children, crowded areas, merges, and blind spots while giving yourself plenty of space when skiing fast.

There was also support for enforcing existing slow zones and potentially imposing stricter limits on beginner terrain. In the end, the debate may not really be about how fast someone is going. It is about whether they are in control, aware of their surroundings, and skiing in a way that keeps other people safe.