Vermont’s ski season brings thousands of visitors to resorts like Killington, Stowe, Sugarbush, Jay Peak, Stratton, and Smugglers Notch. While the Green Mountains offer some of the best terrain in the Northeast, ski accidents still happen, and not just often, but quickly and without warning. Whether you collide with another skier, hit an unexpected icy patch, encounter poor signage, or experience an equipment failure, knowing what to do next can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Move to Safety and Check for Injuries
If you’re able, get to the side of the trail to avoid oncoming traffic. Ski resorts can get crowded, especially on weekends, and staying in the fall line can increase your risk of a second impact. Take a moment to evaluate your injuries, which can be concussions, ACL injuries, fractures, and shoulder injuries are some of the most common ski-related injuries seen across Vermont mountains.
Contact Ski Patrol Right Away
Vermont ski patrol teams are highly trained and can respond quickly. They will provide immediate medical care, document the accident, coordinate transport down the mountain and create an incident report. Please note, this report can later help clarify what happened and who may be responsible.
Make Sure to Gather Key Information
If another skier, snowboarder, or hazard was involved, collect as much information as possible. Collect names and contact details of all parties. Take your phone out if you’re able to take photos of the scene, signage, hazards and the trail conditions. Make sure to obtain witness information.
Weather in Vermont changes fast. Sudden snow, ice or fog can be important factors in determining what caused the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by a medical professional. Many skiers shrug off injuries, but ski crashes often involve hidden trauma such as concussions or ligament tears. Hospitals in Rutland, Burlington, Springfield, and other nearby towns frequently treat ski-related injuries during the winter months.
Report the Accident to the Resort
Most Vermont ski areas maintain official incident reporting systems. Request a copy of the report for your records and note the names of any resort employees you speak with.
Legal: What to Do Next in Vermont
Taking the right legal steps early can significantly impact the strength of your case, especially in Vermont, where skier safety laws and resort responsibilities can be complex.
Preserve All Documentation
Make sure to save copies of medical evaluations, ski patrol and resort reports, photos, videos, lift tickets or season passes, and witness statements.
Don’t Admit Fault
Stay factual when talking to resort staff or insurance companies. Weather, trail grooming, overcrowding, and staff shortages can all play a role in Vermont ski accidents, and fault isn’t always clear at the moment.
Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Review
Some resorts or insurers may ask for statements or waivers. Have an attorney review anything you’re asked to sign.
Contact The Brown Law Firm
If you were injured at a Vermont ski area, The Brown Law Firm in Vermont is here to help. Their team understands ski-industry standards, Vermont safety regulations, and the unique factors that contribute to mountain-related injuries. They can investigate what happened, identify potential negligence, and guide you through the claims process so you can focus on healing.
