Introduction
Ski resorts combine beauty, adrenaline, and risk. Across the world, thousands of injuries and dozens of fatalities are recorded each season. Causes range from challenging terrain and high speeds to avalanches, crowded slopes, and skier error.

The Alps, France and Switzerland — challenging slopes and avalanche danger
In the Swiss Alps during the 2024/2025 season, there were 172 avalanches causing damage to people or property, involving 216 individuals, with 10 fatalities — slightly below the 20-year average but still significant. In the Zermatt area in May 2025, a single incident claimed 5 skiers’ lives. Popular zones like Verbier and Chamonix see hundreds of collision-related injuries each year, including fractures and head trauma, often from going off-piste or high-speed impacts.

Colorado, USA — speed and trees
In the 2022/2023 season, Colorado recorded at least 17 ski-related deaths — the highest in a decade. In 2023/2024, there were 14 fatalities, nearly half from tree collisions. Keystone and Breckenridge rank among the top U.S. resorts for fatalities over the past 10 years. Nationally, the U.S. Ski Areas Association estimates up to 2.6 serious injuries per 1,000 skier visits, including broken bones, dislocations, and head injuries.

British Columbia, Canada — freeride and avalanches
Whistler Blackcomb welcomes around 2 million visitors annually, with a notable share of fatalities occurring in expert-only zones. In January 2024 alone, two skiers died in separate incidents on Blackcomb Mountain. Off-piste areas, including Revelstoke, regularly see avalanche incidents with fatalities, as well as injuries from falls in forested terrain.

The Dolomites, Italy — crowded slopes
The Dolomiti Superski network unites 12 resorts and over 1,200 km of slopes. According to Médecins de Montagne, the average injury rate in Alpine regions is 2.6 injuries per 1,000 skiers per season. During peak holiday weeks, skier density spikes, increasing collision risks — especially on popular circuits like the Sella Ronda, where dozens of accidents can occur in a single day.

Hokkaido, Japan — deep snow and hidden hazards
In the 2023/2024 season, Japan’s ski resorts recorded 7 fatalities (3 skiers and 4 snowboarders). In Hokkaido, nearly 90% of rescue cases involve tourists in off-piste areas. Over the past 5 seasons, avalanches have claimed 11 lives and injured 10 more. Hidden rocks, tree wells, and sudden snowpack collapses add to the danger.

Safety tips
— Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
— Choose slopes that match your skill level.
— Check weather and avalanche forecasts before skiing.
— Keep a safe distance from other skiers.
— Go off-piste only with a certified guide.

Why visit
Even resorts with high fatality statistics remain spectacular destinations with world-class skiing. The key is to approach your trip with respect for the mountain, awareness of the risks, and a commitment to safety — so you return home with memories, not injuries.