Jeff Greenbaum, MD
Jeff Greenbaum, MD
 on 12/14/2021

If you run an internet search with the phrase ‘ski collisions’ you will find some very interesting videos, most of which end with someone injured.  The common feature of these videos is how violent these accidents can be. In fact, ski area collisions result in some of the worst injuries we see. From bumps and bruises to broken bones, to blown knees, and even major trauma resulting in death, ski area collisions should not be underestimated. Your life could depend upon this advice. No joke.

 Take as an example 5-year-old Elise Johnson, who was killed in 2010 while skiing with her mother at a small Wyoming ski resort.  Elise and her mother were on the slopes when struck by a male snowboarder.  Sadly, the snowboarder also died in the accident, and Elise’s mother was left with a traumatic brain injury and arm paralysis. Perhaps you’ve seen the #RideAnotherDay safety campaign launched by the National Ski Area Association in her memory: “She was 5, You Were Going 50.”

This isn’t a new topic. In 1997, 33-year-old Alan Cobb was killed at Vail when struck by a reckless skier. The 18-year-old offender was convicted of criminally negligent homicide.  Here in Jackson Hole, we had a similar fatality in 2005, and that young man also spent some jail time.

These are examples of the most severe outcomes of ski collisions, and they share an important investigative result. The victims have no idea that the collision is coming until it's too late. They, reportedly, had no time to react. Not surprisingly other people injured in ski collisions tell a similar story.

In my experience as an Emergency Physician, there is another category of accidents that share this frequent description of ‘surprise’ or ‘caught off guard in the nature of the injury, and that is MVCs (Motor Vehicle Collisions). When driving, we all count on one another to follow the rules of the road to prevent auto accidents from becoming routine. When someone fails to comply with traffic laws injuries happen. And, if you’re like me and were raised in the city, you learn to drive defensively just in case your fellow commuter is not paying attention.

For ski areas, the ‘rules of the road’ are embedded in the Skier Responsibility Code. A closer look reveals that the first four items in the Code are intended to help prevent collisions.  They also have a striking resemblance to defensive driving practices.

  1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

  2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

  3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.

  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

              Rules number 3 and 4 in particular are important when considering ski collisions. You would never stop your car around a blind turn, would you? And would you merge onto the highway without checking your mirrors or looking over your shoulder? Take this into consideration on your next ski outing.  Just because you are the ‘downhill skier’ and have the right of way doesn’t mean you should trust that everyone else is practicing the ‘rules of the road.’  Pay attention.

Keep in mind that much has changed in the last 20 years of resort skiing and some of these changes have increased your risk. For example, the equipment is much different with fat and rockered skis now dominating the slopes. These have allowed intermediate skiers to feel stable at faster speeds. But these same skiers have not mastered all the skills necessary to demonstrate control, and are therefore a potential hazard. Also, the equipment is heavier, resulting in a greater force of impact when a collision occurs.

Another factor is the advent of annual ski passes valid at multiple resorts, such as the IKON and the Epic Pass. These have created greater numbers of visitors who may be unfamiliar with the terrain. Here in Jackson Hole, a seasoned local knows to keep her speed down when heading over the Hoback Roller, but a visitor may choose to ignore the ‘Slow’ banner and find himself sailing through the air out of control.

 

According to the 2017 Wyoming Ski Act, all skiers/riders have certain legal responsibilities, including:

  1. Knowing the limits of your ability,

  2. Maintaining control

  3. Becoming familiar with the terrain and slope difficulty

  4. Stopping in safe zones

  5. And yielding when merging trails or starting from a stationary position.

Additionally, Wyoming Statute 6-9-301 states:

No skier involved in a collision with another person in which an injury results shall leave the vicinity of the collision before giving his name and current address to an employee of the ski except for the purpose of securing aid for a person injured in the collision, in which event the person leaving the scene of the collision shall give his name and current address as required by this subsection within twenty-four (24) hours after securing aid.

What all of this legal jargon means is that you have a responsibility to help prevent collisions and you cannot leave the scene of a collision with injuries unless you are seeking medical aid. According to Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr, it is the expectation of local law enforcement that persons involved in a ski area collision will “…render aid and stick around to provide information.” Violators may be jailed for up to 20 days and be fined up to $200.

Clearly, you have the incentive to avoid ski area collisions for the benefit of your personal health and legal responsibility. The professionals at the Teton Village Clinic and SJMC Emergency Department do not need your business, so be aware and stay safe. Practice defensive skiing strategies and know the code. And don’t forget to have fun.

Dr. Jeff’s Advice:

  1. Know the Code and stay in control.

  2. If you can’t stop then you’re going too fast.

  3. Practice defensive skiing.

  4. Never stop where uphill skiers cannot see you.

  5. Always stop on the side of the slope, not the center.

  6. Keep your group size small.

  7. Look uphill before starting from stationary or when merging.

  8. Don’t take blind jumps without a spotter.

  9. Teach your kids the ‘Rules of the Road.’

  10. Don’t leave the scene of an accident, wait for Patrol.

 About the Author: Jeffrey Greenbaum is the medical director at St. Johns's Health in the Emergency Department and the Medical Director at JHMR Ski Patrol.