The 2024/25 Ski Season Saw The Worst Catastrophic Injury Numbers In 10 Years
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) published its catastrophic injury fact sheet for the 2024/25 U.S. ski season, and last season was the worst in 10 years. There were 63 catastrophic injuries reported at U.S. ski areas during the season, which is well above the 10-year average of 44 per season. With 61.6 million skier visits recorded, the rate works out to roughly one catastrophic injury per one million visits.
To be clear about what “catastrophic” means here, the NSAA defines it as life-altering injuries such as broken necks or backs resulting in full or partial paralysis, serious head injuries, or injuries resulting in the loss of a limb. These are not the routine ski patrol calls.
Who Is Getting Hurt
The demographic breakdown from last season is pretty consistent with previous years. Of the 63 incidents, 46 involved male skiers or snowboarders compared to 17 female. Roughly 30% of incidents involving people in the 21 to 30 age group and one in five involved someone age 20 or younger. 47 incidents involved skiers and 16 involved snowboarders, a split that closely mirrors the national participation ratio between the two disciplines.
Terrain And Cause
Most of the incidents occurred on intermediate terrain, which is a pattern worth taking seriously given that blue runs often create a false sense of security for riders moving at high speeds. Nine of the 63 catastrophic injuries took place in terrain parks specifically.
The leading causes were collisions with trees and impacts with the snow surface, while two incidents involved falls from lifts.
The Helmet Story
Only 7 of the 63 individuals involved were not wearing helmets, which reflects just how widespread helmet adoption has become. NSAA reports that helmet usage sits at 91% nationwide overall and climbs to 96% among participants under 18. Helmets are clearly not the missing variable in most of these incidents.
The 10-Year Breakdown
Last season’s rate of 1.02 catastrophic injuries per million skier visits is the highest in a 10-year window. Skier visits were the second-highest on record, so more people on the mountain is part of the equation, but the rate itself still jumped meaningfully compared to recent seasons. 2023/24 saw a rate of 0.84 per million. The highest prior to the 2024/25 season was the 2021/22 season, with a rate of .89 per million over 59 million skier visits.
Last season saw a jump of .13 from the second highest (2021/22). The 2022/23 season saw the most skier visits int he last 10 years, with 65.4 million but had only 53 catastrophic injuries, leaving a rate of .81 per million.
“Education and awareness are powerful tools in preventing serious incidents. Reviewing Your Responsibility Code and being mindful of speed, terrain choice, and personal limits can make a meaningful difference in keeping yourself and others safe on the slopes.” – Mike Reitzell, President & CEO of NSAA.
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