Ski resorts combine beauty, adrenaline, and risk. Every season, thousands of injuries and dozens of fatalities are recorded worldwide. Causes range from difficult terrain and high speeds to avalanches, overcrowded slopes, and skier error.
The Alps, France and Switzerland – difficult slopes and avalanche danger
In the Swiss Alps, 172 avalanches occurred in the 2024/2025 season, damaging lives and property. 216 people were injured and 10 were killed—slightly below the 20-year average, but still significant. In the Zermatt area in May 2025, one incident claimed the lives of five skiers. In popular ski areas like Verbier and Chamonix, hundreds of collision-related injuries are reported annually, including fractures and traumatic brain injuries, often caused by off-piste skiing or high-speed collisions.
Colorado, USA – Speed and Trees
At least 17 ski-related deaths were recorded in Colorado during the 2022-2023 season, the highest number in a decade. Fourteen fatalities were recorded in the 2023-2024 season, nearly half of which were due to tree collisions. Keystone and Breckenridge have been among the highest-fatality resorts in the United States over the past 10 years. The U.S. Ski Areas Association estimates that nationally, there are up to 2,6 serious injuries per 1000 ski visits, including fractures, dislocations, and head injuries.
British Columbia, Canada – Freeriding and Avalanches
Whistler-Blackcomb welcomes approximately 2 million visitors annually, with a significant share of fatalities occurring in expert-only areas. In January 2024 alone, two skiers died in separate incidents on Blackcomb Mountain. Off-piste skiing, including Revelstoke, is regularly plagued by fatal avalanches and injuries from falls in forested terrain.
Dolomites, Italy - Crowded slopes
The Dolomiti Superski network comprises 12 resorts and over 1200 km of pistes. According to Médecins de Montagne, the average injury rate in the Alpine regions is 2,6 cases per 1000 skiers per season. During peak ski seasons, the density of skiers increases sharply, increasing the risk of collisions, especially on popular slopes like the Sella Ronda, where dozens of accidents can occur in a single day.
Hokkaido, Japan – Deep Snow and Hidden Dangers
In the 2023/2024 season, seven fatalities (three skiers and four snowboarders) were recorded at Japanese ski resorts. In Hokkaido, nearly 90% of rescues involved off-piste skiers. Over the past five seasons, avalanches have claimed 11 lives and injured another 10. Hidden rocks, tree holes, and sudden snow avalanches exacerbate the danger.
Safety tips
— Always wear a helmet and protective equipment.
— Choose slopes that suit your skill level.
— Before skiing, check the weather forecast and avalanche danger.
— Keep a safe distance from other skiers.
— Only ski off-piste with a certified guide.
Why visit
Even resorts with high fatality rates remain impressive destinations for world-class skiing. The key is to approach your trip with respect for the mountain, understand the risks, and ensure safety so you can return home with memories, not injuries.
Ski resorts combine beauty, adrenaline, and risk. Every season, thousands of injuries and dozens of fatalities are recorded worldwide. Causes range from difficult terrain and high speeds to avalanches, overcrowded slopes, and skier error.
The Alps, France and Switzerland – difficult slopes and avalanche danger
In the Swiss Alps, 172 avalanches occurred in the 2024/2025 season, damaging lives and property. 216 people were injured and 10 were killed—slightly below the 20-year average, but still significant. In the Zermatt area in May 2025, one incident claimed the lives of five skiers. In popular ski areas like Verbier and Chamonix, hundreds of collision-related injuries are reported annually, including fractures and traumatic brain injuries, often caused by off-piste skiing or high-speed collisions.
Colorado, USA – Speed and Trees
At least 17 ski-related deaths were recorded in Colorado during the 2022-2023 season, the highest number in a decade. Fourteen fatalities were recorded in the 2023-2024 season, nearly half of which were due to tree collisions. Keystone and Breckenridge have been among the highest-fatality resorts in the United States over the past 10 years. The U.S. Ski Areas Association estimates that nationally, there are up to 2,6 serious injuries per 1000 ski visits, including fractures, dislocations, and head injuries.
British Columbia, Canada – Freeriding and Avalanches
Whistler-Blackcomb welcomes approximately 2 million visitors annually, with a significant share of fatalities occurring in expert-only areas. In January 2024 alone, two skiers died in separate incidents on Blackcomb Mountain. Off-piste skiing, including Revelstoke, is regularly plagued by fatal avalanches and injuries from falls in forested terrain.
Dolomites, Italy - Crowded slopes
The Dolomiti Superski network comprises 12 resorts and over 1200 km of pistes. According to Médecins de Montagne, the average injury rate in the Alpine regions is 2,6 cases per 1000 skiers per season. During peak ski seasons, the density of skiers increases sharply, increasing the risk of collisions, especially on popular slopes like the Sella Ronda, where dozens of accidents can occur in a single day.
Hokkaido, Japan – Deep Snow and Hidden Dangers
In the 2023/2024 season, seven fatalities (three skiers and four snowboarders) were recorded at Japanese ski resorts. In Hokkaido, nearly 90% of rescues involved off-piste skiers. Over the past five seasons, avalanches have claimed 11 lives and injured another 10. Hidden rocks, tree holes, and sudden snow avalanches exacerbate the danger.
Safety tips
— Always wear a helmet and protective equipment.
— Choose slopes that suit your skill level.
— Before skiing, check the weather forecast and avalanche danger.
— Keep a safe distance from other skiers.
— Only ski off-piste with a certified guide.
Why visit
Even resorts with high fatality rates remain impressive destinations for world-class skiing. The key is to approach your trip with respect for the mountain, understand the risks, and ensure safety so you can return home with memories, not injuries.