A ski accident can happen in seconds, whether at Killington, Stowe, Sugarbush, or Stratton. One moment you’re enjoying the day, and the next you’re dealing with pain, confusion, and unanswered questions. In the aftermath, ski resorts may appear helpful, but there are important things they often don’t tell injured skiers. Understanding what’s left unsaid can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.
They Won’t Explain How Vermont Law Actually Applies to Your Case
Ski resorts often rely on Vermont’s assumption of risk laws to suggest that injuries are simply “part of skiing.” While it’s true that skiing involves inherent risks, that does not mean resorts are automatically protected from responsibility.
What resorts don’t tell you:
- Assumption of risk has limits
- Resorts can still be liable for negligence, unsafe conditions, or equipment failures
- Each case depends on specific facts, not blanket rules
Without legal guidance, injured skiers may wrongly assume they have no claim.
Incident Reports Are Written With Liability in Mind
After an accident, ski patrol or resort staff may ask you to complete an incident report. This may seem routine, but resorts don’t explain that these reports are often designed to protect the resort, not the injured skier.
Important details:
- Reports may emphasize skier error
- Hazardous conditions may be downplayed or omitted
- Your statements can later be used against you
Once written, these reports become key evidence, yet injured skiers are rarely told how important wording truly is.
Evidence on the Mountain Disappears Fast
Unlike car accidents, ski accidents happen in constantly changing conditions. Grooming crews, snowfall, and skier traffic can erase evidence quickly.
Resorts don’t tell you:
- Trail conditions may change within hours
- Warning signs can be moved or removed
- Witnesses often leave the resort the same day
Waiting too long to act can severely weaken a ski accident claim.
Waivers Don’t Always End the Conversation
Many Vermont ski resorts require waivers, leading injured skiers to believe they’ve signed away all legal rights. Resorts typically won’t explain that:
- Waivers may not cover gross negligence
- Chairlift accidents may fall outside waiver protection
- Poor maintenance or policy violations can override waiver defenses
Only a thorough legal review can determine whether a waiver truly applies.
Insurance Companies Are Already Involved, Even If You’re Not
Shortly after a serious ski accident, insurance carriers may already be evaluating the situation. Resorts rarely disclose that:
- Insurance adjusters may be preparing to deny or minimize claims
- Early settlement offers often undervalue long-term injuries
- Statements made early can limit future compensation
Injured skiers are often at a disadvantage without legal representation.
Why a Ski Accident Lawyer Matters
Ski resorts have legal teams, risk managers, and insurance companies working behind the scenes. Having an experienced Vermont ski accident attorney helps level the playing field by:
- Preserving evidence before it disappears
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Challenging unfair assumption-of-risk arguments
- Negotiating with insurers or litigating when necessary
Talk to The Brown Law Firm Before Making Assumptions
If you were injured skiing or snowboarding in Vermont, don’t rely on what the resort tells you or doesn’t tell you. You may have more options than you realize. The Brown Law Firm represents injured skiers throughout Vermont and understands how resorts defend accident claims. Before giving a statement, signing documents, or accepting a settlement, speak with a lawyer who puts your interests first.
Contact The Brown Law Firm today for a confidential consultation.
