Statistics and Causes

Ski accidents refer to all incidents in which individuals are injured or killed while skiing, snowboarding, or ski touring. This includes accidents on secured ski slopes and routes, as well as incidents in off-piste terrain. The causes are diverse: medical problems such as cardiovascular disorders, technical errors, collisions, falls, or avalanche events. Statistical surveys show that several thousand people are injured and around one hundred lose their lives in Austria each year.

Ski accidents are injuries or fatalities in winter sports, triggered by medical emergencies, falls, collisions, or avalanches.

Extent and Trends in Accident Figures

Austria records a high number of ski accidents each year. In winter 2021/22, there were 4,345 alpine accident incidents involving 6,716 injured persons, including 111 fatalities. In winter 2023/24, 7,517 injured persons and 106 fatalities were even registered. These figures are within the ten-year average. Approximately two-thirds of all incidents occur on slopes and ski routes, with the remainder occurring during ski tours and off-piste skiing.

This statistic shows that while skiing is a significant recreational activity, it is always associated with considerable risks. It is particularly striking that the number of accidents remains constant despite modern equipment, improved slope safety, and prevention efforts.

Main Causes of Ski Accidents

The causes can be assigned to clear categories. Three major groups dominate:

1. Cardiovascular Disorders
   Approximately one-third of all skiing fatalities are due to sudden medical emergencies, as the physical exertion at altitude is very challenging for many. Men aged between 50 and 70 are particularly affected, as the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases significantly during this life stage. If fitness declines and preventive examinations are lacking, the danger increases considerably, so even a seemingly easy day of skiing can end fatally.
2. Collisions
   More than half of all accidents in organized ski areas result from collisions with other skiers or obstacles. The most common causes are excessive speed, insufficient distance, and disregard for FIS rules of conduct.
3. Falls and Skidding
   Approximately 15% to 20% of accidents are caused by falls. Causes include variable snow conditions, lack of technical skills, or fatigue at the end of a ski day.
4. Avalanches and Off-Piste Accidents
   Away from secured slopes, avalanches are among the greatest dangers, as they often occur suddenly and without warning. In winter 2021/22, 15 people lost their lives due to avalanches, clearly highlighting the risks. Ski tourers and off-piste skiers are particularly at risk because they deliberately venture into unsecured terrain.
5. Additional Factors
   • Inadequate equipment (e.g., dull edges, missing helmet)
   • Beginners being overwhelmed on overly difficult slopes
   • Lack of consideration and insufficient experience in alpine terrain

Peter Harlander
Harlander & Partner Rechtsanwälte „Lawinen zeigen, wie unberechenbar alpine Risiken sein können, sodass selbst erfahrene Sportler binnen Sekunden in Lebensgefahr geraten.“

Specific Risk Groups

Accident statistics show clear patterns. Individuals aged 50 and over are particularly at risk, as their risk of cardiovascular disorders increases significantly. Many fatalities therefore affect men of middle to older age who overestimate their physical capacity. Children and adolescents also frequently suffer accidents, mostly due to collisions, because they misjudge speeds and can only react to others’ driving errors to a limited extent. Ski tourers form another risk group, as they are exposed not only to alpine dangers but also to avalanches and fall risks in off-piste terrain.

Sebastian Riedlmair
Harlander & Partner Attorneys „Wer abseits der Pisten unterwegs ist, muss wissen, dass Eigenverantwortung und Vorbereitung überlebenswichtig sind.“

Prevention Approaches

A variety of measures can significantly reduce the risk. Crucial first is timely medical prevention, combined with adapting exertion to one’s own fitness level. Equally important are adjusted speed and consistent adherence to FIS rules of conduct, as many collisions are due to a lack of consideration. The use of appropriate safety equipment, such as a helmet, avalanche transceiver, and probe, significantly increases survival chances in an emergency. For ski tourers, careful planning, including current avalanche reports, remains a central prerequisite for safe undertakings. Finally, ongoing technical training, combined with a refresher of skiing technique and first-aid knowledge, also contributes significantly to reducing the risk of accidents.

Your Benefits with Legal Assistance

If you have been involved in a ski accident, you often face significant legal and organizational challenges. In addition to clarifying the cause of the accident, many cases involve compensation for damages, insurance benefits, or the defense against unjustified claims. Precisely because accident processes are complex and insurance companies often delay settlement or dispute claims, professional legal assistance is crucial.

Our law firm has extensive experience in the field of ski and alpine accidents. We examine your claims in detail, represent you before insurance companies and courts, and ensure that your rights are consistently protected. In this way, you gain clarity, legal certainty, and the necessary assertiveness to effectively protect your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ