Colorado Ski Accident Attorneys
Talk With Us TodayColorado Springs
(719) 309-3000Denver
(303) 214-7927Address: 999 Jasmine St #200, Denver, CO 80220. Call Any Time – 24/7
Injured on the Slopes? Ramos Law is Here to Help.
Colorado’s mountains welcome millions of skiers and snowboarders each season. During the 2024–25 season, Colorado ski areas recorded 13.8 million skier visits, making it the state’s third-busiest season on record. But a day on the slopes can change in an instant. Collisions, falls, lift incidents and other hazards can lead to serious injuries with lasting consequences. In the 2025–26 season, at least 13 people died at Colorado ski areas, including nine from traumatic injuries.
At Ramos Law, we understand that an injury can mean more than an emergency room visit. It can bring surgery, rehabilitation, time away from work and uncertainty about the future. Our team combines legal experience with medical insight to help injured skiers and snowboarders understand their options and determine whether they may have a claim under Colorado law. If you or someone you love was injured at a Colorado ski resort, contact Ramos Law to discuss what happened, learn about your legal options and find out how we may be able to help.
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What Makes Us Different Makes Us Better
Why Choose Ramos Law?
- Medical knowledge meets legal experience
Ramos Law was founded by Dr. Joseph Ramos, an emergency physician and attorney. That combination helps inform how our team evaluates injuries, medical records and the potential long-term effects of an accident. - We look beyond the initial injury
A ski accident can involve more than an emergency room visit. Fractures, head injuries, spinal trauma and other conditions may require surgery, rehabilitation or ongoing care. Understanding the full impact of an injury matters when evaluating a potential claim. - We investigate what happened
Ski accident cases may require a closer look at collision circumstances, slope conditions, warning signs, lift operations, equipment, witness accounts and applicable safety rules. - We communicate clearly
We explain the legal process in plain language, answer questions and help clients understand the options available to them. - We prepare for the realities of litigation
When a viable claim calls for a strong legal response, our team can evaluate the evidence, applicable law and potential damages to determine an appropriate path forward. - We treat people like people
An injury can interrupt a family’s plans, a career or a long-awaited vacation. We strive to provide the personal attention and practical guidance people need during a difficult time.
Types of Ski Accident Cases We Handle
Ski accidents can happen on groomed runs, in terrain parks, near lift terminals and in resort facilities. The circumstances matter because different laws and duties may apply depending on who or what caused the injury.
Skier and snowboarder collisions
A collision with another skier or snowboarder can cause serious injuries, especially when one person is traveling at high speed or cannot avoid the impact. Colorado law specifically addresses skier-to-skier collisions and does not classify them as inherent risks assumed in an action between skiers.
Ski resort and premises-related incidents
Some accidents involve alleged failures to address hazards, provide required signs or warnings, or comply with applicable safety duties. The facts must be evaluated against the Ski Safety Act and other potentially applicable law; a dangerous-looking condition alone does not establish liability.
Ski lift and passenger tramway accidents
Injuries may occur while loading or unloading, during a lift stoppage, or because of a fall or other incident involving a passenger tramway. Colorado has separate passenger tramway regulations and safety requirements, in addition to relevant provisions of the Ski Safety Act.
Terrain park and jump injuries
Jumps, rails and other freestyle features can result in high-impact falls and collisions. Cases may turn on the feature’s design, posted warnings, the skier’s conduct, and whether the injury arose from an inherent risk or a legally actionable condition or act.
Snowmaking, grooming equipment and other mountain operations
Snowmobiles, grooming vehicles, snowmaking equipment and maintenance activity may create hazards. Colorado law establishes specific requirements for certain equipment and maintenance operations.
Ski equipment failures
A binding, boot, ski, snowboard or other piece of equipment may malfunction or fail. Depending on the evidence, a claim may involve a manufacturer, rental company, repair provider or another responsible party. These cases require an investigation into the equipment, its maintenance and the circumstances of the failure.
Dangerous or inadequately marked conditions
Certain accidents involve obstacles, exposed hazards, inadequate warnings or trail conditions. Whether a ski area owed and breached a legal duty depends on the particular hazard, the statutory framework and the circumstances.
Accidents involving children and beginner skiers
Younger or inexperienced skiers may be particularly vulnerable to collisions, falls and incidents in crowded areas. The legal analysis depends on the conduct of the people involved, applicable duties and the specific circumstances of the injury.
Skiing outside marked boundaries
Backcountry and out-of-bounds accidents raise different legal issues. Under C.R.S. § 33-44-108(4), a ski-area operator generally has no duty arising solely from its operator status to skiers beyond properly marked ski-area boundaries. The location of the accident, boundary markings and any separate basis for a duty require careful evaluation.
Injuries From Ski Accidents
A ski accident can cause anything from a painful sprain to a life-altering traumatic injury. The seriousness of an injury depends on factors such as speed, the point of impact, terrain, protective equipment and the person’s overall health.
Common ski and snowboard injuries
- Knee injuries: Ligament tears, including ACL injuries, meniscus damage and other injuries that may require surgery or extended rehabilitation.
- Fractures: Broken wrists, arms, legs, collarbones, ankles and other bones following falls or collisions.
- Head injuries and concussions: Impacts that can cause concussion symptoms, cognitive difficulties or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord and back injuries: Vertebral fractures, disc injuries and potentially disabling spinal cord trauma.
- Shoulder injuries: Dislocations, fractures and torn tendons from falls or attempts to break an impact.
- Wrist and hand injuries: Sprains, fractures and other trauma caused by bracing against a fall.
- Chest and internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma that may affect ribs, lungs or internal organs.
- Fatal injuries: Severe head, chest or spinal trauma can be fatal, even when a person was wearing protective equipment.
How Common Are Ski and Snowboard Accidents?
Colorado’s world-class ski resorts attract millions of visits each season, but skiing and snowboarding can lead to serious injuries. An analysis of Colorado trauma-center records found 3,704 hospital admissions for fractures over four ski seasons from 2017 to 2021. The investigation also identified 322 severe ski and snowboard injuries over four seasons, highlighting the potential consequences of accidents on the slopes.
The data also reveals which parts of the body are commonly affected. Approximately 63% of ski-area trauma-center admissions involved injuries to the arms, legs or shoulders, while about 12% involved the head. These injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation and extended time away from work or everyday activities.
Research published in the peer-reviewed journal Injury Prevention provides additional insight into ski-area injuries. One Colorado resort study recorded an overall injury rate of 1.37 injuries per 1,000 participant visits, demonstrating that injuries remain an important safety concern even at established ski destinations.
At Ramos Law, we understand that a ski or snowboard injury can have consequences long after you leave the mountain. Our combination of medical insight and legal experience helps us evaluate how an injury occurred, how it affects your life and whether you may have a claim under Colorado law.
Sources
Note: These statistics come from specific trauma-center records and resort-based studies, not a comprehensive statewide count of every ski and snowboard injury. The study periods and populations differ, so the figures should not be combined into a single statewide total.
Collisions
If a rider fails to look for downhill riders and crashes into another, causing injury or damages, they are responsible for the other rider’s injuries and damages.
Faulty Equipment
Ski equipment can be expensive. Most people rent equipment from rental companies or ski resorts, trusting that the equipment is safe and adequately maintained. However, rental companies and resorts sometimes are negligent and fail to maintain equipment, leading to equipment-related accidents on the slopes.
Ski Resort Negligence
Ski resorts must maintain a safe and hazard-free environment for skiers to enjoy. However, if a ski resort is not maintained and has debris or other potentially hazardous objects, a skier could suffer injuries, for which the resort can be held liable.
Ski Lift & Machinery Accidents
Trained professionals should regularly inspect, maintain, and operate ski lifts and other machinery. However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, they fail to maintain equipment, leading to malfunctions and injuries to those using the lifts or other malfunctioning machinery. If you were injured due to hazardous machinery at a ski slope or resort, the resort could be held responsible for your injuries and damages.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Ski or Snowboard Injury in Colorado?
Responsibility depends on how the accident happened and the legal duties of those involved. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Another skier or snowboarder. Someone who fails to maintain control, keep a proper lookout or yield when legally required may be responsible for a collision.
- A ski resort or lift operator. A claim may be possible when a violation of applicable safety laws or regulations causes an injury. Examples may involve certain lift-safety requirements, required warnings or mountain equipment operations.
- An equipment rental or repair business. Negligent binding adjustments, maintenance or repairs may support a claim when they cause or contribute to an injury.
- An equipment manufacturer. A defective design, manufacturing defect or inadequate warning may support a product liability claim when it causes an injury.
More than one party may share responsibility. Ramos Law can investigate the parties involved, evaluate the evidence and explain whether you may have a claim.
Colorado Ski Safety Act
Colorado has a specific statute governing ski safety and liability. Understanding the law is essential because it distinguishes between the inherent risks of skiing, skier-to-skier collisions and other circumstances in which a legal claim may be available.
Colorado’s Ski Safety Act, found in C.R.S. §§ 33-44-101 through 33-44-114, establishes rules for ski-area safety and outlines the responsibilities of skiers and ski-area operators. The law recognizes that skiing involves certain unavoidable risks, but it also establishes duties that must be followed. Whether an injured skier has a legal claim often depends on what caused the accident and whether someone failed to meet an applicable legal obligation.
Key provisions include:
C.R.S. § 33-44-104 — Negligence and civil actions
A violation of a requirement of the Ski Safety Act can constitute negligence when it causes injury or property damage. The section also addresses ski-area operators’ violations of applicable passenger tramway safety rules.
C.R.S. §§ 33-44-106 to 33-44-108 — Ski-area duties
These sections address operator duties, signs, notices and certain equipment and maintenance requirements. The precise duty applicable to an accident depends on the circumstances and the statutory language.
C.R.S. § 33-44-109 — Duties of skiers
Skiers must maintain control, keep a proper lookout, heed warnings and observe other statutory duties. The law expressly states that skier-to-skier collisions are not an inherent risk or a risk assumed by a skier in an action against another skier.
C.R.S. § 33-44-111 — Statute of limitations
Addresses the time limit for bringing actions covered by the Ski Safety Act. The applicable deadline can depend on the type of claim and other legal rules, so injured people should seek legal advice promptly.
C.R.S. § 33-44-112 — Inherent dangers and risks
Addresses limitations on actions for injuries resulting from inherent dangers and risks of skiing. This provision is important when determining whether an injury resulted from an inherent risk or potentially actionable conduct.
Other Colorado laws that may matter
- C.R.S. § 13-21-111 — Comparative negligence: Colorado’s comparative-negligence rules may affect recovery and damages when the injured person and one or more other parties share responsibility.
- C.R.S. § 13-80-102 — General two-year limitations period: Certain personal injury actions are subject to a two-year period, but ski cases may have additional or different statutory rules. Do not assume the general deadline governs every ski accident claim.
- C.R.S. Title 12, Article 150 — Passenger tramway safety: Passenger tramway regulation may be relevant to injuries involving lifts or other covered equipment.
- Product liability law: If a defective ski, binding, boot or other product contributed to an injury, separate legal principles and deadlines may apply.
Important legal distinction: A ski-area operator is not automatically liable simply because someone was injured on its property. Likewise, a skier does not automatically lose the right to bring a claim because skiing carries inherent risks. The facts, the conduct involved, statutory duties, applicable defenses and deadlines all matter.
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In the News
Skier Dies After Collision With a Padded Light Pole at Keystone Resort
March 11, 2025 — A skier died after an apparent collision with a padded light pole at Keystone Resort. The incident highlights the serious consequences of high-impact collisions and the importance of examining the circumstances of a ski accident before drawing conclusions about liability.
Watch the CBS Colorado video report
Colorado mom of six paralyzed in “freak” snowboarding accident
December 29, 2025 — A Castle Rock mother of six suffered a catastrophic spinal injury while snowboarding at Keystone Resort in Colorado shortly after Christmas, after breaking her neck in what her family described as a freak accident. She was airlifted to a hospital and left paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator, underscoring how a single accident on the slopes can have life-altering consequences.
Colorado Ski Accident FAQs
Can I sue someone if another skier crashes into me in Colorado?
Potentially. Under C.R.S. § 33-44-109, a skier-to-skier collision is not considered an inherent risk assumed by a skier in an action against another skier. Whether you have a viable claim depends on the evidence, the other skier’s conduct, your injuries and other applicable legal rules.
Can I sue a Colorado ski resort for an injury?
In some circumstances. A claim may be possible if the evidence establishes a legally actionable failure to meet an applicable duty. However, the Colorado Ski Safety Act limits liability for certain inherent dangers and risks of skiing. The circumstances of the accident and the specific duty at issue matter.
What is the Colorado Ski Safety Act?
The Colorado Ski Safety Act, found at C.R.S. §§ 33-44-101 through 33-44-114, governs aspects of ski safety and liability. It addresses skier responsibilities, ski-area operator duties, inherent risks and certain legal claims arising from skiing injuries.
What if I was injured in a ski lift accident?
Lift-related injuries may involve separate passenger tramway safety requirements as well as other applicable laws. Preserve your lift ticket, incident reports, photographs and medical records, and seek legal guidance about the facts and applicable deadlines.
What if I was injured on a beginner or intermediate ski run?
The difficulty rating of a run does not, by itself, establish who is legally responsible for an injury. The circumstances of the accident, the conduct of the parties, the applicable safety requirements and the nature of the hazard all matter.
Can I file a claim if I signed a ski resort liability waiver?
Possibly. In Miller v. Crested Butte, LLC, the Colorado Supreme Court held that the resort’s liability waivers could not bar the claim based on alleged violations of applicable ski-safety statutes and regulations. However, waivers may still bar certain common-law negligence claims. An attorney can review the waiver and determine how it applies to your accident.
What if I was partially at fault for my ski accident?
In a typical Colorado negligence claim, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and recovery is generally barred if you are 50% or more at fault. Ski-specific rules, including protections for inherent risks and enforceable waivers, may also affect whether a claim can proceed.
How long do I have to file a Colorado ski accident lawsuit?
Claims against a Colorado ski-area operator or its employees arising from the maintenance, supervision or operation of a ski area or passenger tramway generally must be filed within two years after the claim arises under C.R.S. § 33-44-111. Other claims and exceptions may involve different rules. An attorney can determine the deadline that applies to your situation.
What should I do immediately after a ski accident?
If you can do so safely:
- Get medical attention, especially for a suspected head, neck, back or other serious injury.
- Report the incident to ski patrol or resort personnel.
- Photograph the scene, trail signs, conditions, equipment and visible injuries.
- Obtain names and contact information for witnesses and anyone involved.
- Keep medical records, receipts, lift tickets and relevant communications.
- Avoid speculating about fault before the circumstances have been investigated.
What if the ski resort says my injury was an inherent risk of skiing?
Skiing involves inherent risks, but that does not automatically resolve every legal claim. Colorado law distinguishes inherent risks from certain acts or omissions that may give rise to liability. An attorney can evaluate whether the alleged cause of your injury falls within a statutory protection or supports a potential claim.
Can I bring a claim if defective ski equipment caused my injury?
Potentially. If a defective product, improper repair or another equipment-related issue contributed to the accident, a claim may involve a manufacturer, seller, rental company or service provider. Determining responsibility may require preserving the equipment and obtaining expert analysis.
What compensation may be available after a ski accident?
Depending on the facts and applicable law, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost income, certain future care costs, pain and suffering, and other legally recognized losses. Recovery is not guaranteed, and the available damages depend on the evidence, liability and applicable legal restrictions. Claims against ski-area operators may also be subject to special damages limits under C.R.S. § 33-44-113. The statute excludes injuries sustained while riding a passenger tramway from those particular limits and permits certain exceptions.
Do I need a lawyer for a Colorado ski accident?
Not every ski injury requires an attorney. However, legal guidance may be particularly useful when injuries are serious, another skier was involved, a resort or equipment issue may have contributed, liability is disputed or the applicable deadline is uncertain. An attorney can help evaluate the facts and explain your options.
How much does it cost to speak with Ramos Law about a ski accident?
Ramos Law offers free, no-obligation consultations for personal injury matters. If we accept your case on a contingency fee basis, you pay attorney fees only if we recover compensation for you. Before representation begins, we explain the fee agreement and how case costs are handled.
Can I bring a claim if I was injured while snowboarding?
Potentially. Colorado’s Ski Safety Act defines and regulates skiing-related activities, including provisions applicable to snowboarders. The legal analysis depends on the type of accident, the parties involved and the applicable statutory requirements.
What if my child was injured while skiing in Colorado?
A child’s injury deserves prompt medical attention and careful documentation. Depending on the circumstances, a potential claim may involve another skier, a ski-area operator or another responsible party. Claims involving minors can raise additional legal and deadline issues, so parents or guardians should seek case-specific legal guidance.
Our Colorado Locations
Law Firm Locations
999 Jasmine St. #200
Denver, CO 80220
Call: (303) 214-7927
6500 E. Hampden Ave.
Denver, CO 80224
Call: (720) 580-8333
6892 S. Yosemite Court, Suite 1-201 Centennial, CO 80112
Call: (720) 580-8311
8610 Explorer Dr., Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Call: (719) 309-3000
319 Colorado Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Call: (970) 287-1173
10190 Bannock Street Suite 200
Northglenn, CO 80260
Call: (303) 733-6353
4765 Independence Street Suite: A
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Call: (303) 406-4540
11705 Airport Way, #200
Broomfield, CO 80021
Call: (303) 466-3200
3553 Clydesdale Pkwy, Suite 220 Loveland, CO 80538
Call: (970) 480-9738
Injured While Skiing or Snowboarding? Ramos Law is Here to Help
A ski or snowboard accident can leave you dealing with medical treatment, missed work, financial pressure and uncertainty about what happens next. You shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath of an injury alone.
Ramos Law represents people injured in ski and snowboard accidents throughout Colorado. We combine medical knowledge with legal and trial experience to help you understand your rights, evaluate your options and determine whether you may have a claim. If you were injured while skiing or snowboarding, contact Ramos Law to discuss your situation with our team.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. No fee unless we win refers to attorney fees. Clients may still be responsible for costs or court-ordered fees.
Speak With a Colorado Ski Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a ski accident, you deserve clear answers and support. Ramos Law combines medical knowledge with legal and trial experience to understand how your injuries affect your life, explain your options and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Contact Ramos Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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