Ski and Snowboard Accident Lawsuits in Colorado – Who’s Liable?

Colorado’s ski resorts are a magnet for millions of visitors every winter, making the state one of the busiest ski and snowboard destinations in the world. However, with this popularity comes a sharp rise in accidents ranging from ski collisions on crowded runs to fatal snowboarding accidents tied to lift malfunctions or resort negligence.

As ski and snowboard accident attorneys, we know that resorts often argue that injuries fall under inherent risks of skiing and snowboarding, while insurers delay or deny claims. The reality is that Colorado law does not excuse negligence, and when another rider, a resort, or even an equipment manufacturer fails in their duties, victims may have the right to recover compensation. This guide explains who may be liable, how the Colorado Ski Safety Act affects claims, and what damages can be pursued after a serious ski or snowboard accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Ski or Snowboard Accident?

Not every fall or injury is actionable, but when negligence is involved, liability may extend beyond the victim. Common defendants include:

• Other skiers and snowboarders – Riders who ski recklessly, ignore right-of-way rules, or cause dangerous ski collisions can be held responsible. Courts treat these cases like motor vehicle accidents, applying negligence principles.
• Resorts – Resorts must maintain lifts, mark hazards, and ensure trails are reasonably safe. Failing to fulfill these duties creates potential liability.
• Equipment manufacturers or rental shops – A snowboarder injured by a defective binding or a skier hurt by faulty rental equipment may have a product liability claim.

Colorado courts have emphasized that negligence must be proven with evidence. Cases involving collisions, lift malfunctions, or defective equipment are often litigated under Colorado’s skiing and snowboarding accident laws, which set out the difference between inherent risks and preventable hazards.

For answers to your questions, call:
(303) 999-9999

Statistics and Trends – Ski and Snowboard Accidents in Colorado

• During the 2024–25 season, Colorado recorded approximately 13.8 million skier visits with 15 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries reported at resorts statewide. These figures include both ski and snowboarding accidents.
• Data from Colorado trauma centers revealed 322 severe ski injuries over four seasons – double the national average for catastrophic injuries per skier visit. This suggests elevated risk factors potentially linked to resort operation and safety management.
• The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that ski resorts cannot universally rely on liability waivers to escape legal responsibility for negligence, particularly regarding lift operation and safety violations. This ruling reinforces resort accountability for accidents caused by their negligence.

Common Causes of Ski and Snowboard Injuries in Colorado

Accidents on the slopes follow recurring patterns each season. And the court rules that liability waivers do not protect resorts from legal claims related to statutory violations or gross negligence.

A tragic example involved a 30-year-old woman who was paralyzed in 2022 while riding the Paradise Express chairlift at Crested Butte Resort. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the resort violated state laws by failing to stop the lift despite multiple warnings and by not having an attendant present.

Overall, these are common causes of negligence involved in these types of cases:

Collisions on the Slopes

• Cutting across trails without yielding
• Ignoring right-of-way rules on beginner slopes
• High-speed skiing in crowded areas

Ski Lift Accidents and Resort Negligence

• Sudden stops throwing passengers off balance
• Malfunctioning or improperly inspected lifts
• Inadequate operator training leading to unsafe loading/unloading

Unlike natural hazards, these cases typically involve preventable negligence.

Equipment Failures

• Rental bindings releasing unexpectedly
• Helmets cracking under normal impact
• Manufacturing defects in skis or snowboards

When gear fails, victims may bring product liability claims. These often require technical experts, but successful cases demonstrate that the injury was not caused by inherent risk, but by negligence in design or maintenance.

What Damages Can Victims Recover?

Victims of ski and snowboard accidents may pursue a wide range of damages.

Economic Damages

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

These claims are supported by employment and medical records. Our work often aligns with claims for compensation for lost wages in other injury contexts.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Courts recognize that losing the ability to ski, work, or live independently can be just as devastating as financial loss.

Protecting Your Rights After a Ski or Snowboard Accident

Ski and snowboarding accident claims in Colorado are among the most complex personal injury cases because they involve overlapping issues of assumed risk, negligence, and product liability. Without legal guidance, many victims see their cases dismissed as “part of the sport.”

At Boesen Law, we have decades of experience in catastrophic injury cases, including ski and snowboard accidents. We know how to challenge resort defenses, prove negligence, and secure fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term suffering. If you or a loved one was injured in a ski collision, lift accident, or equipment failure, contact us through our contact page for a free consultation.

FAQs: Ski and Snowboard Accidents in Colorado

Can you sue another skier in Colorado after a collision?

Yes. Colorado law allows claims against other skiers or snowboarders who act negligently, such as skiing recklessly or ignoring right-of-way rules.

Does the Ski Safety Act always protect resorts?

No. The Act covers natural conditions like ice and terrain changes, but resorts can still be liable for preventable negligence, including lift failures and poor maintenance.

What if faulty rental equipment caused my injury?

Rental shops and manufacturers may be liable if bindings, helmets, or skis fail due to poor maintenance or defective design. These cases often require expert testimony.

What damages are available after a ski or snowboard accident?

Victims can recover economic damages like medical costs and lost wages, along with non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.

What options do families have after a fatal snowboarding accident?

Families may bring a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and compensation for emotional loss, while also holding negligent parties accountable.

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