The weather is cooling off, and soon, the ski areas of New Mexico will open for the 2025-2026 skiing season. The first ski resort to open this year will be Sipapu Ski Resort, which will open on November 14. The other ski areas in New Mexico will open later in November or December.
Skiing is a millennia-old sport, and adults and children have successfully navigated the ski slopes of New Mexico millions of times. Even though your chances of an accident while skiing are less than your chances of an accident while riding in a car, ski accidents can cause serious injury, and they can even be fatal, because skis travel as fast as motor vehicles, but there is no vehicle structure to protect you.
Furthermore, the law specifies safety standards for ski areas open to the public. Premises liability laws protect customers who get injured while skiing, because the skiers are business invitees who pay to participate, and it is the responsibility of the ski resort operators to keep the ski area free of preventable hazards and not to allow guests to ski in dangerous weather conditions. If you suffered a preventable injury at a ski resort, contact a Santa Fe slip-and-fall and premises liability lawyer.
Do Not Attempt Skiing Feats That are Beyond Your Skill Level
“Know your limitations” is good advice for anyone, but especially for novice skiers. Most ski resorts have ski slopes and trails suited to various levels of experience. The higher the skill level, the more speed you will gain, and the more stationary obstacles you will have to navigate. If you are new to skiing, stick to the beginner trails and follow the advice of the ski instructors.
Keep a Safe Distance From Vehicles and Other Skiers
Colliding with stationary objects such as trees is the most common cause of serious injury among skiers. During busy days on the slopes, though, there is also a risk of colliding with other skiers or even with motor vehicles. It is the responsibility of the ski resort operators to prevent overcrowding by timing when each skier begins the descent and when to send vehicles to the slopes. Skiers should also use caution to avoid these hazards.
Intoxicating Substances and Skiing Don’t Mix
Common sense is an important part of staying safe while skiing. Always wear helmets and other safety gear. Even though the drinks tend to flow freely at ski resorts, you should not ski while under the influence of alcohol. Likewise, the ski bum lifestyle tends to attract 420-friendly folks, but you should partake of any of the cannabis your buddies offer you at the ski resort unless and until you are sure you are finished skiing.
Contact Slate Stern About Ski Accident Lawsuits
Slate Stern is a personal injury lawyer who represents plaintiffs injured in accidents at ski resorts in New Mexico. Contact Slate Stern in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or call (505)814-1517 to discuss your case.
Sources
https://skinewmexico.com/safety-on-the-slopes
Photo by Matthieu Pétiard on Unsplash