For many Fresno residents, winter weekends mean heading to nearby mountain resorts to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other seasonal activities. While these trips can be exciting and memorable, accidents on the slopes happen more often than many expect. Between high speeds, crowded runs, changing conditions, and equipment issues, snowboarders and skiers are at real risk for injuries ranging from sprains to severe fractures or head trauma.
If you’ve been injured in a snowboarding accident, understanding your legal options is an essential step in protecting your health, your rights, and your financial future. Although skiing and snowboarding come with inherent risks, not every accident is simply “part of the sport.” In some situations, negligence may have played a role—whether from another rider, the resort, or equipment failure. Knowing when you may have a claim can make all the difference.
1. When Another Skier or Snowboarder Is Responsible
Collisions between riders are one of the most common causes of slope-related injuries. Even though snowboarding is an active sport, each rider is expected to follow the established rules of the mountain—such as maintaining control, respecting downhill traffic, and avoiding reckless behavior.
If another skier or snowboarder behaved negligently—such as speeding through crowded areas, ignoring signage, or failing to yield—you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Eyewitness accounts, resort incident reports, and even GoPro footage can help establish what happened. A lawyer can assist you in gathering this evidence and protecting your claim from the start.
2. When Resort Negligence May Be a Factor
Ski resorts owe a duty of care to their guests. While they cannot prevent every accident, they must take reasonable steps to reduce hazards and warn visitors about dangers.
Examples of resort negligence might include:
- Poorly maintained trails
- Failure to mark obstacles or closed areas
- Untrained or improperly supervised staff
- Unsafe lift operations
- Inadequate signage
If an injury results from unsafe conditions that the resort failed to address, you may have the right to pursue a claim. Because resorts often require guests to sign liability waivers, it’s essential to have a lawyer review what applies and what doesn’t—waivers typically do not protect a resort from gross negligence.
3. Equipment Issues and Product Liability Claims
Sometimes accidents occur because equipment fails unexpectedly. Bindings that release improperly, helmets that crack under regular use, or boards with manufacturing defects can all contribute to serious injuries.
In these cases, a product liability claim may be appropriate. These claims can be complex, but an attorney can help determine whether the equipment was defective and whether the manufacturer, distributor, or rental shop may be responsible.
4. Seeking Medical Attention Is Always the First Step
Even if you feel “mostly fine” after a fall or collision, specific injuries—such as concussions, soft-tissue injuries, or internal trauma—may not show symptoms right away. Seeking medical attention quickly not only protects your health but also creates essential documentation for any potential claim.
5. Protecting Your Legal Rights After an Accident
If you’ve been hurt, consider taking these steps:
- Report the incident to the resort staff immediately
- Document the scene and conditions
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Save your lift ticket or rental paperwork
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene
- Speak with a personal injury attorney before talking to insurance representatives
Accidents on the slopes can be complicated, and having support early can help you understand your options and focus on your recovery.
Personal Injury Claims in Fresno
If you or a loved one has been injured in a snowboarding or skiing accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our team is committed to helping injured clients understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact FHV Law today for a free consultation.