Colorado Ski Resort Injury Lawyers — Fighting for Injured Skiers and Snowboarders

Colorado's world-class ski resorts—from Vail and Aspen to Breckenridge and Keystone—attract millions of visitors each year. But beneath the pristine powder and scenic mountain views lies serious risk. Every season, thousands suffer injuries ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death.

What many injured skiers don't realize is that despite liability waivers and the Colorado Ski Safety Act's "inherent dangers" doctrine, you may still have a strong case for compensation. Our Denver skiing accident attorneys know exactly when resorts can be held liable—and we've recovered millions for clients injured on Colorado's slopes.

When Ski Resorts Can Be Held Liable Despite Waivers

Yes, skiing has inherent risks. But resorts still have legal duties they cannot waive away:

• Ski Lift Accidents: Mechanical failures, operator errors, loading/unloading injuries, and chairlift malfunctions are not "inherent" risks—they're often negligence.
• Improper Trail Marking: Resorts must clearly mark trails, warn of unusual hazards, and properly designate difficulty levels.
• Dangerous Conditions Beyond Inherent Risks: Ice patches near lodges, unmarked obstacles, improperly placed snow-making equipment.
• Collisions with Resort Employees: Ski patrol or instructors causing accidents through reckless behavior.
• Equipment Rental Negligence: Improperly adjusted bindings, defective equipment, or wrong size gear.

Understanding the Colorado Ski Safety Act

The Colorado Ski Safety Act (C.R.S. § 33-44-101) defines certain dangers as "inherent" to skiing—variations in terrain, ice, other skiers, weather changes. Resorts aren't liable for these inherent risks. However, the Act doesn't give resorts blanket immunity.

We know how to prove your injury resulted from resort negligence, not inherent risks. This distinction is critical and requires an attorney who understands both the law and the ski industry.

Common Types of Skiing Accidents We Handle

Major Colorado Ski Resorts We've Handled Cases Against

Our attorneys have experience with injury claims at Colorado's premier ski destinations:

• Vail Mountain: The largest ski resort in Colorado, with complex terrain and high traffic
• Aspen/Snowmass: Four mountains with varying conditions and luxury amenities
• Breckenridge: High-altitude skiing with extreme terrain parks
• Keystone: Night skiing and terrain park injuries
• Copper Mountain: Known for naturally divided terrain
• Steamboat: Champagne powder and tree skiing risks
• Winter Park/Mary Jane: Mogul injuries and terrain variations
• Telluride: Extreme terrain and hike-to areas
• Crested Butte: Extreme limits and backcountry access
• Loveland & A-Basin: High-altitude conditions and early season hazards

Critical Evidence in Ski Accident Cases

Ski accident cases require immediate action to preserve evidence:

1. Incident Reports: Ski patrol reports often disappear or get "sanitized"—we get them fast.
2. Witness Information: Other skiers scatter quickly—identifying witnesses is crucial.
3. Weather & Conditions Data: Snow conditions, visibility, and grooming reports from that specific day.
4. Equipment Inspection: Bindings, skis, and safety equipment must be preserved and tested.
5. Video Evidence: Many resorts have cameras—but footage gets overwritten quickly.
6. Medical Documentation: Ski patrol first aid records and transport decisions.

The "Responsibility Code" and Your Rights

Resorts love citing the Skier Responsibility Code when denying claims. Yes, skiers must:

• Maintain control and ski within ability
• Yield to downhill skiers
• Not stop where you obstruct trails
• Look uphill when starting or merging

But violating the code doesn't eliminate resort liability for their negligence. We know how to counter these blame-shifting tactics.

Compensation Available for Ski Injuries

Skiing accidents often cause severe, life-altering injuries requiring extensive compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency transport, surgery, rehabilitation, future care
• Lost Income: Time off work, reduced earning capacity, career changes
• Pain & Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment
• Equipment & Trip Costs: Damaged gear, unused lift tickets, lodging
• Long-term Care: For spinal injuries, TBI, and permanent disabilities

Out-of-State Visitors: We Can Still Help

Injured while visiting Colorado's slopes? Don't let distance prevent you from pursuing justice. We regularly represent out-of-state clients, handling everything remotely when needed. Colorado law applies to Colorado accidents, regardless of where you live.

Why Timing Matters in Ski Accident Cases

Colorado's statute of limitations for skiing accidents is generally 2 years, but evidence disappears much faster:

• Witnesses return home to different states/countries
• Snow conditions change daily, erasing physical evidence
• Video surveillance gets overwritten in days
• Equipment gets serviced, destroying defect evidence
• Incident reports get "lost" or altered

Common Resort Defenses We Defeat

Ski resorts and their insurers use predictable tactics:

• "You assumed the risk": Not for negligent conditions beyond inherent dangers
• "You signed a waiver": Waivers don't protect against gross negligence or statutory violations
• "You were skiing beyond your ability": Doesn't excuse resort negligence
• "No witnesses saw it happen": We build cases with physical evidence and expert testimony
• "It was an Act of God": Weather is inherent; failure to close dangerous runs is negligence

What to Do After a Skiing Accident

1. Get Medical Attention: Let ski patrol document and transport you—this creates records.
2. Report to Ski Patrol: Insist on a written incident report and get a copy or photo.
3. Document Everything: Photos of the accident site, your equipment, injuries, conditions.
4. Get Witness Contact Info: Names and numbers—social media connections work too.
5. Preserve Equipment: Don't return rentals or repair damaged gear.
6. Don't Sign Anything: Resorts may pressure you to sign additional waivers or statements.
7. Contact an Attorney: Before speaking with resort representatives or insurers.

Free Consultation for Colorado Skiing Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured at a Colorado ski resort, don't let the resort's legal team intimidate you. We know their tactics, understand the Ski Safety Act inside and out, and have the resources to fight billion-dollar resort corporations.

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