Skiing Injuries in Minnesota: Risks, Prevention, and What to Know If You're Hurt

Minnesota's conditions often involve variable temperatures, man-made snow, an freeze—thaw cycles. These factors can create:

• Hardpack and ice, which increases speed and more difficult turns
• Narrow runs, high traffic volume
• Terrain parks and steeper runs that require advanced skills and judgment
• Limited visibility due to flat light, snowfall, or fog

Skiing injuries range from minor to severe. Frequent injuries include:

• Knee injuries: ACL/MCL sprains or tears, meniscus damage from twisting falls or binding non-release. Lower leg and ankles: often related to improper DIN settings or rental equipment mismatch
• Head injuries: concussions or traumatic brain injury, especially without a helmet or in high-speed collisions. Shoulder injuries: dislocations, and strains from forward falls

Medical evaluation is critical, even when symptoms seem mild. Concussion signs, evolving pain, can indicate serious injury.

Proactive steps reduce the chance of accidents:

• Match terrain to skill: Choose runs within your ability and build up over time. Respect terrain park signage and more difficult runs (black diamonds and blue squares).
• Control speed: Slow down, especially in congested areas, and at trail merges.
• The uphill skier has the right of way

Proper equipment choice and maintenance are essential:

• Helmets: Wear a properly fitted, snowsport-rated helmet. Replace after significant impact or per manufacturer guidance.
• Bindings and DIN settings: Have bindings mounted and adjusted by a qualified technician to your weight, height, boot sole length, age, and ability. Recheck after boot changes or major maintenance.
• Skis: Select the right length and waist width for your terrain and skill. Keep edges sharp for icy conditions and bases waxed for predictable glide.

Ski patrol is key to safety:

• Response: First aid, stabilization, toboggan transport, and coordination with EMS for higher-level care
• Reporting: Incident documentation that may be important for insurance or legal

If injured, call patrol, follow directions, and seek evaluation. Obtain the incident number and, if possible, the names of responding patrollers for your records.

Skiing involves risks, but not every accident is legally unavoidable. Potential legal issues may include:

• Negligence by another skier or rider: Collisions caused by reckless speed, loss of control, or ignoring right-of-way
• Resort operations: Claims may arise from unreasonably hazardous conditions, inadequate marking, negligent equipment maintenance, or negligent instruction or rental practices

Your lift ticket, season pass, or rental agreement may include waivers or releases. Their scope and enforceability can be complex and fact-specific. Legal evaluation can help you understand how these documents affect your rights.

Taking the right steps preserves health and potential claims:

• Get medical care: Accept patrol assistance and follow through with urgent care or emergency evaluation as recommended.
• Document the scene: If safe, photograph conditions, signage, equipment, and visible injuries. Note weather, time, trail name, and any closures or warnings.
• Identify witnesses: Obtain names and contact information for companions and bystanders/
• Report the incident: Make sure the resort generates an incident report; request a copy or record the report number. Save lift tickets, pass information, rental agreements, receipts, and medical bills.

Potential coverage sources include:

• Health insurance for medical expenses
• Resort or event liability policies where applicable
• Homeowners insurance when injured by another skier or rider's negligence

Deadlines apply. Claims may involve short notice requirements with resorts or insurers and statutes of limitation. Seek counsel promptly to protect your options. If you or a loved one has been injured while skiing in Minnesota, you can consult an attorney to evaluate potential claims, navigate insurance, and preserve critical evidence. An early assessment can clarify your rights and next steps while you focus on recovery.

Contact SiebenCarey partner Cory P. Whalen for a free case evaluation. Mr. Whalen has over 47 years of experience skiing at Minnesota resorts and has handled countless ski injury cases.