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THE RARITY OF IN-BOUNDS AVALANCHE FATALITIES

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

86
97%
Backcountry
Avalanche Fatalities

44

12
8 6
2
Backcountry Snowmobiler Hiker/Climber Other Ski Patroller In-bounds Skier In-bounds Skier
Skier/Snowboarder in Open Terrain in Closed Terrain 3% Skier Fatalities
In-bounds

Source: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Given this notable success, is the skiing public lulled into Underscoring the dangers of avalanches—and the risks
its own sense of complacency about the risk of in-bounds associated with avalanche mitigation in and of itself—eight
avalanches? One mantra ski areas reiterate time and time dedicated ski patrollers gave their lives in avalanches in the
again: while resorts go to amazing lengths to mitigate ava- last 10 years, protecting the skiing public from such a fate.
lanches, they cannot fully eliminate the risks—a warning that While there have undoubtedly been dramatic advances
the public also repeatedly hears from the U.S. Forest Service, in snow science research, forecasting, and improvements and
state and local avalanche centers, and weather forecasters. emphasis on technology—from avy airbags, RECCO and
Over the last 10 years, more than 97 percent of all fatal- other GPS systems, to even low-tech devices like probes and
ities related to avalanches actually occur outside of ski areas, shovels—the risks of avalanches, especially in the backcountry,
according to an analysis of all U.S. avalanche fatality data remain an ever-present threat no matter where someone skis.
compiled by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center
(CAIC). In the small number of avalanche fatalities at ski CONCLUSION
areas, a number of them occurred when guests went into ter- It is actually great news that the sport of skiing and snowboard-
rain that was closed by the ski area due to avalanche risks. ing does not remotely see anywhere near 600,000 injuries in
Moreover, CAIC’s fatality data shows a stubborn consis- a season. At the same time, the broader industry—from hard-
tency of backcountry avalanche fatalities across the western goods manufacturers and resort owners, to our dedicated ski
U.S. On average, there are 26 fatalities in the U.S. resulting patrols and mountain operation teams—deserves praise for
from avalanches, ranging from a low of 11 during the 2014- their sustained efforts in reducing injuries and fatalities across all
15 season, to a high of 36 during the 2009-10 season. To be resort departments. Still, whether its incidents in terrain parks,
sure, the conditions that lead to avalanches will vary season avalanches, collisions with trees, or even just something less seri-
to season, depending on snowpack. But it does reflect that ous like a broken bone, snowsports will always be inherently
there is a constant level of human risk taking, even in the face risky—it is simply built into the nature of our resort environ-
of dangerous conditions. ments, winter conditions, and the pure thrill of the sport.
While the overwhelming majority of fatalities from ava- Understanding the relative risks of the sport—fair and
lanches almost always occur in the backcountry, what may accurately—will help the skiing and riding public, and the
be unexpected is who is most at risk. Skiers and snowboarders media, improve overall safety. While guest safety and aware-
in the backcountry lead in terms of number of fatalities by ness remains a continuous challenge, the progress has been
category, but snowmobilers, hikers and climbers combine dramatic, and underscores that collective industry efforts can
for the most avalanche fatalities over the last 10 seasons. go a long way in improving and growing the sport safely.

SUMMER 2019 | NSAA JOURNAL | 63