What You Need to Know About Skiing or Snowboarding Accidents in Colorado

Colorado draws millions of visitors every year for its world-class ski resorts and scenic mountain slopes, making it one of the top winter destinations in the country. But with the popularity of winter sports comes an increasing number of accidents, many of which result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

While the national ski fatality rate is estimated at one death per million visits, Colorado exceeds this average with higher incident rates at some of its busiest resorts. The 2024–2025 season saw several high-profile tragedies, drawing renewed attention to questions about liability, safety standards, and injured skiers’ rights. In this article, our Denver ski accident lawyers break down the most common causes of ski and snowboard injuries, when a resort or third party may be legally liable, and what steps to take if you’re hurt on the mountain.

Skiing & Snowboarding Injury Risks in Colorado

High speeds, unpredictable terrain, and crowds of skiers are a dangerous mix—especially at Colorado’s most popular resorts. Injury risks include:

• Collisions with other skiers or snowboarders
• Chairlift and gondola accidents
• Faulty or malfunctioning rental equipment
• Icy, poorly maintained, or ungroomed runs
• Inadequate signage or trail warnings

Resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, and Winter Park experience the highest visitor volume annually, which directly correlates with increased injury and rescue rates. Additionally, snowy conditions affect winter commuting. Temperature fluctuations in the Rockies can cause overnight refreezing, creating icy surfaces, sudden visibility reductions, and hidden terrain changes that can destabilize skiers and snowboarders.

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

Who Is Legally Liable in a Colorado Ski or Snowboard Accident?

Ski pass agreements typically include an “assumption of risk” clause, which limits a resort’s liability for the inherent dangers of skiing and snowboarding, such as variable terrain, falling, or collisions due to loss of control. However, that assumption does not apply to negligence, and injured skiers still have legal recourse when resorts or third parties fail to meet their responsibilities.

Resorts may be held liable when they fail to uphold their statutory duties or engage in unsafe practices that fall outside the scope of assumed risk. Some common examples of actionable negligence include:

• Inadequate or missing warning signs near trail merges, cliffs, or terrain parks
• Failure to close unsafe runs during storms, low visibility, or avalanche risk
• Poor equipment maintenance, especially for chairlifts and gondolas
• Untrained or negligent ski patrol or lift operators, especially during rescues
• Improperly maintained rental gear, like bindings, helmets, or boots

Collisions involving other skiers or snowboarders can also give rise to personal injury claims. For instance, if another skier was going too fast for the conditions, skiing out of control, or cutting across designated slow zones, they may be held liable. Under Colorado law, all skiers have a duty to remain in control and avoid causing harm to others on the mountain.

In some cases, product liability laws come into play. If a ski binding fails to release properly, a helmet cracks under normal use, or a rental shop provides defective gear, the manufacturer or equipment provider may be responsible for damages under Colorado’s product liability statutes.

Legal claims from ski and snowboard accidents often require in-depth analysis of the Colorado Ski Safety Act (C.R.S. § 33-44-101 et seq.), which defines what is considered an “inherent risk” versus what constitutes a breach of duty. For example:

• A skier hitting an unseen boulder may be considered an inherent risk
• But if the boulder was in a high-traffic beginner zone without signage, that may fall outside the statute’s protections

Our attorneys regularly review trail maps, resort policies, witness statements, and maintenance logs to establish what happened—and whether it could have been prevented.

Colorado’s Ski Safety Act and Your Rights

The Colorado Ski Safety Act sets legal boundaries for ski area operators and defines the risks assumed by skiers. The law includes:

• Requirements for signage, trail maintenance, and operator conduct
• Rules regarding lift operation and rescue responsibilities
• Definition of “inherent risks” like terrain variation and weather

Importantly, the Act also specifies when a resort can be sued—for example, when negligence occurs outside those inherent risks. Skiers are responsible for maintaining control, but operators must still fulfill their statutory duties.

The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Colorado is two years from the date of the accident, under C.R.S. § 13-80-102.

What To Do After a Ski or Snowboarding Accident

After an accident, taking the right steps early can preserve your health and protect your legal rights:

• Get medical attention immediately—even for minor injuries
• Notify ski patrol and request a written incident report
• Photograph the scene, your injuries, and any equipment damage
• Preserve your gear and clothing as evidence
• Collect names and contact info of witnesses
• Avoid making detailed statements to insurance adjusters without speaking to a lawyer

If the injury happened due to another skier’s actions, try to get their name, description, and any available video. In collisions, liability can hinge on who had the right of way or was skiing in control.

How Boesen Law Can Help With Colorado Ski Accident Claims

Winter accident claims require a thorough understanding of both personal injury law and Colorado’s unique ski statutes. At Boesen Law, we assist clients with:

• Determining whether a resort, individual, or third party was at fault
• Investigating trail conditions, signage, and maintenance records
• Handling insurance negotiations and claim denials
• Pursuing compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impacts

Our attorneys have experience with injury and wrongful death cases related to skiing, snowboarding, and other mountain activities. We offer free consultations and only charge fees if we win your case.

We represent clients throughout Colorado, including Denver, Arvada, Colorado Springs, and nearby resort towns.

Speak With a Colorado Ski Accident Lawyer Today

Contact Boesen Law for a no-cost case review. Our team is ready to evaluate your situation, explain your options, and help you take action if negligence played a role. We’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and support.

Call (303) 999-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form