Ski/snowboard collisions are often pretty cut and dry. The downhill skier has the right of way, thus when an accident occurs it’s generally the uphill skier who gets the blame. But occasionally accidents occur that aren’t so simply analyzed.
This appears to be one of those accidents. The skier and snowboarder both come around a corner, see each other, and slam on the breaks, but they notice too late. Both parties should not have been entering a blind spot that quickly, so it seems like both deserve some blame.
It’s always important that you stay in control and always be aware of what’s below you on the slopes. In this case, the accident occurred in what looks like the start of a lift line, a place where you absolutely should not be going at high speeds. If you’re going a speed around a blind corner with enough speed that you won’t be able to stop if something appears in front of you, then you’re going too fast, plain and simple.
NSAA Skier’s 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.
