"The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) published its catastrophic injury fact sheet for the 2024/25 U.S. ski season, and last season was the worst in 10 years. There were 63 catastrophic injuries reported at U.S. ski areas during the season, which is well above the 10-year average of 44 per season."
"Most of the incidents occurred on intermediate terrain, which is a pattern worth taking seriously given that blue runs often create a false sense of security for riders moving at high speeds. Nine of the 63 catastrophic injuries took place in terrain parks specifically."
"Only 7 of the 63 individuals involved were not wearing helmets, which reflects just how widespread helmet adoption has become. NSAA reports that helmet usage sits at 91% nationwide overall and climbs to 96% among participants under 18. Helmets are clearly not the missing variable in most of these incidents."
The 2024/25 ski season saw 63 catastrophic injuries at U.S. ski areas, significantly exceeding the 10-year average of 44 per season. Catastrophic injuries include life-altering conditions such as broken necks or backs causing paralysis, serious head injuries, or limb loss. With 61.6 million skier visits, the rate equals approximately one catastrophic injury per million visits. Demographics show 46 male and 17 female incidents, with roughly 30% involving ages 21-30 and 20% involving those 20 or younger. Most incidents occurred on intermediate terrain, creating false security for high-speed riders. Collisions with trees and snow surface impacts were leading causes. Despite 91% nationwide helmet usage and 96% among those under 18, only 7 individuals lacked helmets, indicating helmets alone do not prevent these severe injuries.
#ski-safety #catastrophic-injuries #intermediate-terrain-risk #helmet-usage #winter-sports-demographics
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