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SAFETY STATS

US avalanche fatalities during the past 10 years Total avalanche fatalities: 261
Ski seasons 2008–09 through 2017–18
103

86 97% Avalanche
fatalities occur in
the backcountry

44

13
7 6 3% Avalanche fatalities occur
2 in-bounds at ski areas
Backcountry Snowmobiler Hiker/Climber Other Ski Patroller In-bounds In-bounds
Skier/Snowboarder Open Terrain Closed Terrain (Colorado Avalanche Information Center)

Helmet use among all skiers/boardersHelmet use among all skiers/boarders Sales of backcountry gear increasedSales of backcountry gear increased
from 2012–2018from 2012–2018 markedly from 2017–2018markedly from 2017–2018

84%84% Alpine touring bindingsAlpine touring bindings
up 84%up 84%
62% Alpine touring bootsAlpine touring boots
Reduction in serious terrain park injuries up 18%up 18%
since 2012, thanks to industry emphasis on
25%25% Accessories (including avalanche Accessories (including avalanche
terrain park safety and guest education
safety devices), up 24%safety devices), up 24%

20022002 20182018 19%
Since 1980, decline in overall
95% of all skiers/boarders under 95% of all skiers/boarders under number of skiing injuries in US
age 17 wear helmetsage 17 wear helmets (Dr. Jaspar Shealy, Rochester Institute
(2018 NSAA National Demographic Survey)(2018 NSAA National Demographic Survey) of Technology, NY) (Snowsports Industries America)(Snowsports Industries America)

PATROL

83.8%

Percentage of NSP membership
registered as volunteer patrollers

30,000+ 16.2%

National Ski Patrol Percentage of NSP membership
total membership registered as professional patrollers

24 | NSAA JOURNAL | CONVENTION 2019