Learning from ski accidents

As it happens almost every ski season around Park City, I just heard about a terrible, deadly collision between a skier and a tree.

This is tough news to handle from a ski-resort's perspective, because it doesn't help project a wholesome image about the sport we love, so it's communicated in a minimalist fashion, so has not to spook or discourage participants.

Yet, with each lethal accident, there's a take-away to be broadcast to the skiing public so it can benefit from it. It starts of course with perfect slope preparation that give a false sense of security and encourage speed.

Then, faster learning technique and new equipment allow beginners to move very fast too quickly, without the necessary “learning mileage”. All this contribute to a high rate of speed that can make any impact a lethal one.

All these issues are also exacerbated by a third one, namely a growing skier density on the hill, so when a collision with another skier becomes almost unavoidable, the ultimate path of escape is often towards the edge of the run, which is frequently lined up with trees that never bend, get of the way or lessen the blow.

Who is warning skiers about this?