Anyone who has been skiing, including me, will be quick to tell you just how incredible it is. With adrenaline-fuelled thrills and awe-inspiring scenery, it is easy to see why approximately 55 million people choose to ski or snowboard each year. 

The ABTA Travel Trends Report for 2025 highlights a growing interest in ski and snowboarding holidays among Brits, with 1.8 million UK skiers enjoying the slopes. Many are now planning multiple trips this winter, as confirmed by a survey from the Ski Club of Great Britain and Mountain Trade Network. Nonetheless, the activity also carries inherent risks, some of which can lead to tragic life-altering outcomes, and people must have a clear awareness of the risks involved.

Ever since the news of former racing driver Michael Schumacher suffering extreme injuries that have kept him out of the public eye for the last ten years, people have been aware of the dangers associated with the slopes. However, the recent news of a British skier losing their life in Les Arcs, as reported in The Independent, is another sobering reminder that accidents of this nature are not a rare occurrence. Serious injuries can and do occur, especially during peak season when the slopes are at their busiest.

The Importance of Awareness and Preparation

Accidents on the slopes often happen in the blink of an eye, yet the consequences can be profound and last for many years. Collisions with other skiers, equipment failures, sudden weather changes, and/or difficulties navigating unfamiliar terrain can all lead to incidents and circumstances that could change the course of a person's life. Even the most experienced skiers are not immune – in fact, their experience may lead to a false belief that they are less likely to be injured or at risk – which is why preparation and vigilance are essential.

Although it is crucial to ensure that your kit is in good condition, those looking to enjoy the slopes should not consider good equipment as the only preparation needed to be adequately prepared.

Skiers should also ensure that they have a good understanding of the environment and the rules that govern behaviour on the slopes. The International Ski Federation (FIS) Rules – known as the highway code of the slopes – play a key role in accident prevention. These rules cover everything from how to overtake safely to who has the right of way, and they are applicable across Europe, Canada, and the USA. 

Unfortunately, many skiers are only vaguely familiar with them, and this lack of knowledge can lead to avoidable accidents. With the average ski speed being between 10-20 mph, it is shocking that more skiers do not give these rules the same level of appreciation as those applicable on the roads. 

Moreover, the FIS rules are often the first point of consideration when determining fault for a collision on slopes and assessing a skier's general approach to the slopes. Therefore, if you are one of the unfortunate individuals who gets injured, your ability to pursue compensation or a legal claim may be limited by your lack of understanding or appreciation of the applicable rules.

Before heading to the mountains, every skier, whether a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, should take time to review the FIS rules. Understanding these guidelines not only promotes safety but also ensures that you act responsibly on the slopes, reducing the risk of incidents for both you and those around you.

Finally, preparation should extend to ensuring an understanding of your insurance coverage. Skiers should ensure that they are adequately covered for medical expenses, liability, and even repatriation in the event of an accident for all of the activities they are engaging in. Any medical attention in the mountains will likely be expensive, not to mention any rescue costs you may incur, such as a helicopter lift or recovery, if you find yourself in a challenging situation. 

Many skiers find themselves in the difficult position of being underinsured, which can complicate matters further if an incident occurs. Skiers could be faced with large bills for legal and medical expenses. For insurers, this preparedness ensures that policy wording is clear and understandable to the consumer and that any potential risks or exclusions are clearly highlighted.

Navigating the Aftermath of an Accident

When accidents do occur, the aftermath can be daunting and legally complex. Questions of liability, jurisdiction, and the interpretation of local laws can arise quickly, mainly when the accident involves skiers from different countries. For insurers, operators, and other stakeholders, these claims can escalate rapidly without proper management. We have seen situations where the costs of merely determining the means of instigating proceedings or conducting investigations can escalate beyond that of an ordinary claim within very short timeframes. 

The key to navigating this complexity and minimising risks lies in early, thorough and proactive steps by all parties. The same level of attention to detail and proactivity should be given to skiing accidents as that which is given to motor accidents or injuries at work. 

Should you be faced with an accident, it is vital to act proactively and gather as much information as possible at the scene. Taking photos, obtaining contact details for witnesses, and keeping a record of events while they are fresh in your mind are all essential steps; even a brief account that can be fleshed out later could be essential in assisting with resolving claims.

For resorts and operators, ensuring staff are trained to investigate and document the details of any accident thoroughly is vital. Clear, contemporaneous records can make a significant difference in determining liability, resolving claims swiftly and preventing incidents from escalating.

From a legal perspective, having access to defence experts with experience in skiing claims is invaluable. These cases often involve cross-border proceedings, making it crucial to understand how different jurisdictions apply liability rules and damages calculations. For instance, in some jurisdictions, contributory negligence - where the injured party is found partially responsible for their injuries - can significantly reduce the damages awarded. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the laws applicable to liability and damages from the offset to ensure that the response is appropriate to the claim. 

Preparing for the Season

As we're at the height of ski season, it's vital to be ready to respond effectively if a claim arises. Here's how you can stay prepared:

• Review Your Policies: Ensure all documentation aligns with local laws and international insurance requirements.
• Train Your Teams: On-site staff should know how to document accidents properly and provide the right level of support.
• Engage Early: Involving defence experts at an early stage can help contain costs and build a robust position.

How we can help you

The International Travel Claims team at Clyde & Co has experience with these claims and has successfully defended numerous skiing claims. We have been able to draw on our deep understanding of liability rules, international law, and the unique complexities of ski accidents. We have worked closely with insurers, resorts, and other stakeholders to challenge inflated claims, address allegations of negligence, and ensure fair outcomes. 

Clyde & Co, with 60 offices worldwide, is able to offer access to a global network of lawyers in the firm. We are able to streamline the process of international claims by having direct access to trusted expertise in the relevant country of the accident or where the claim is being pursued, as well as an understanding of the culture and customs of that country. Our unique offering allows us to ensure that claims are dealt with fairly, efficiently, and with a focus on providing consistency and quality services. 

With the slopes becoming busier every day, let's prioritise safety while remaining ready to handle disputes with care, diligence, and the right expertise. Should a claim arise, you can rely on us to deliver the robust and strategic defence you need.