Insight

Deaths on New York Ski Slopes

Deaths on New York Ski Slopes

Stephen R. Coffey

Stephen R. Coffey

March 29, 2019 01:38 PM

The tragedy of three skiers who lost their lives in separate incidents while skiing the same trail at Hunter Mountain this winter is both headline grabbing and heartbreaking. This raises important questions as to whether the trail is properly marked to warn skiers about the nature of the terrain and whether the trail is dangerously designed and/or maintained. O’Connell and Aronowitz, based in Albany, NY, brings extensive experience to bear on this tragic circumstance. Our firm obtained a $1.5M settlement after a trial verdict for a skier who was injured at an upstate New York ski resort due to the failure of the resort to properly warn skiers of dangerous conditions.

Oftentimes, skiers believe that because they are injured while on the slopes, that they have assumed the risk of skiing and the mountains can never be held liable.

That is not correct.

If the mountain acted negligently to the point where their conduct has seriously compromised the safety of skiers, for instance, by improperly designating trails as intermediate when they are in fact expert trails, then they may very well be liable. It is highly significant, that three skiers in the span of three months have died skiing on the same trail at Hunter Mountain.

At O'Connell and Aronowitz, we know how to handle these cases and have won multiple substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients. See our Sports, Amusement and Recreation Injuries page to learn more about your rights regarding injuries at ski mountains, amusement parks or other recreation venue.

Related Articles

Obtaining Cell Phone Records in Civil Litigation


by Jeff S. Korek

You might think that cell phone records could help put a distracted driver behind bars. But getting them isn't so simple.

Girl wearing long sleeves with cell phone texts on it while driving

Why Can't I Play Pokemon While Driving Anymore?


by William W. Hurst

"Distracted driving is the single most cited reason for car accidents, especially among younger drivers. This means companies who produce products targeted toward younger peoples and especially those of driving age must be extra careful about how their products may their consumers while driving."

Person playing Pokemon Go on their phone in the middle of the street

Trending Articles

2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States


by Jamilla Tabbara

The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.

Map of the United States represented in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 awards

Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.


by Bryan Driscoll

It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.

Firearms application behind jail bars

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence


by Jamilla Tabbara

Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.

Shining Canadian map marking the 2026 Best Lawyers awards coverage

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain


by Jamilla Tabbara

A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.

Map highlighting the 2026 Best Lawyers honorees across Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Sp

How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect


by Bryan Driscoll

Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.

Group of people holding papers with speech bubbles above them

Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking


by Jamilla Tabbara

How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.

Abstract web of connected figures symbolizing online networking among legal professionals

Algorithmic Exclusion


by Bryan Driscoll

The Workday lawsuit and the future of AI in hiring.

Workday Lawsuit and the Future of AI in Hiring headline

Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections


by Jamilla Tabbara

How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.

Lawyer typing blog content on laptop in office

Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You


by Justin Smulison

Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.

Reddit Anthropic Lawsuit headline

How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask


by Laurie Villanueva

A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer

Three professional lawyers walking together and discussing work

The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico


by Jamilla Tabbara

The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.

Map highlighting Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico for the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards

Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?


by Laurie Villanueva

Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.

Married Indiana couple in their home

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

AI Tools for Lawyers: How Smithy AI Solves Key Challenges


by Jamilla Tabbara

Understand the features and benefits within the Best Lawyers Digital Marketing Platform.

Legal professional editing profile content with Smithy AI

Alimony Explained: Who Qualifies, How It Works and What to Expect


by Bryan Driscoll

A practical guide to understanding alimony, from eligibility to enforcement, for anyone navigating divorce

two figures standing on stacks of coins