Fatalities on Colorado Ski Slopes: A Closer Look at Colorado’s 2023–24 Ski Season Deaths

During the 2023–24 ski season in Colorado, there were at least 14 fatalities on the slopes, ranging in age from 14 to 78 years old.

Six people lost their lives as a result of collisions with trees. On slopes that were intermediate or novice, every single fatality that occurred as a result of collisions or falls occurred. Ten guys passed away, one of which was a young boy of fourteen years old. A total of seven of the ski resort guests who passed away were not from the state of Colorado. Six deaths were caused by medical incidents, one of which was a dentist from Kentucky who was 43 years old and experienced a cerebral hemorrhage as a result of an accident that ended in breaking his arm at Vail. Four of the skiers who passed away as a result of medical complications came from other states.

According to reports and accumulated details, ski areas do not disclose any deaths that have occurred at resorts. Many resorts only disclose a fatality when they are asked about it, and when they do, they send out remarks via email that “extend our deepest sympathy.” Additionally, resorts do not disclose or provide specifics regarding injuries that occur at ski areas, even though emergency departments in resort communities treat thousands of injured skiers and snowboarders each calendar year.

To compile a list of skier deaths that occur at ski resorts during each season, The Colorado Sun conducts an annual survey of sixteen county coroners across the state.

Additionally, resorts do not disclose or provide specifics regarding injuries that occur at ski areas, even though emergency departments in resort communities treat thousands of injured skiers and snowboarders each calendar year.

To compile a list of skier deaths that occur at ski resorts during each season, The Colorado Sun conducts an annual survey of sixteen county coroners across the state.