It’s usually pretty easy to figure out who’s at fault in a skier/snowboarder collision. Generally the downhill skier has the right of way, so the uphill skier is almost always the person at fault. Plenty of out-of-control skiers or snowboarders will try to argue that the downhill skier turned unexpectedly or something like that, but the uphill skier is responsible for leaving enough space that a sudden turn wouldn’t result in a collision. That’s generally and easy rule to follow, but some collisions, like the one below, force further consideration.
Terrain Park Safety
Terrain parks have different safety guidelines than a regular trail. The National Ski Areas Association‘s “Park SMART” Terrain Park Safety guidelines help skiers and snowboarders understand safety on these trails. SMART stands for Start small, Make a plan, Always look, Respect the features and other users, and Take it easy. Part of respecting the features includes staying out of a jump’s landing zone.
Skier/Snowboarder Collision
Treating the terrain park like a regular trail and making full turns across a jump’s landing zone is a recipe for disaster. At the same time, it seems like the two snowboarders probably could have avoided using the park at the same time as this skier and given more space for the sake of safety. Plus the skier begins to turn left a fair bit before the snowboarder actually gets into the air, so he probably should have been able to stop.
So who is really at fault in this collision? It seems pretty clear that both parties have some blame here. The skier should not be treating the terrain park like a regular trail and definitely should not have turned underneath the jump. However the snowboarder could have waited for the skier to get off the trail before hitting the park. The snowboarder should have acknowledged that the skier clearly didn’t know what they were doing and given them more space, skipping that jump single jump.
If we have to point fingers, it seems like the skier should get the blame. But both participants in this collision have responsibility. Who do you think is at fault?
Skier Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
