The number of skiers who have died while skiing at Colorado resorts this year has tied the record in the state, with 16 ski-related deaths, but industry experts can't pinpoint a reason for the spike. Colorado Ski Country USA, an ski industry professional association, insists that the record number of skier deaths this season is not related to the dramatic increase in Colorado skiers this year over last.
Although the number of avalanche fatalities in the United States in the 1980's was approximately 15 annually, that number has doubled, on average, in the last five years. More people are now killed on public land by avalanches, avalanche researchers report, than by any other natural event, including lightning, fires or tornados.
Last year, the Forest Service National Avalanche Center says, 30 people were killed in avalanches in the United States and another 28 died in Canada. Half were backcountry skiers or snowboarders, most of the rest were on snowmobiles.
Last year was the second consecutive record breaker for Colorado ski resorts for skier visits, with over 12.5 million visitors during the season. Anyone who has been on the slopes recently has noticed not only the increase in the number of skiers, but also the dramatic increase in the number of helmeted skiers.
A ski industry group says skier visits to Colorado resorts dipped 12.5 percent to start the season, compared to the record numbers set in the early part of last season. But recent reports indicate that the number of skier fatalities is not slowing.
When it seems that everyone has grabbed their boards and headed for the slopes, in reality on ly 18% of thiose who venture out for the first time will return for another ski day. To keep your experience from being your last fo rthe season, follow these safety tips: