Insight

Deaths on New York Ski Slopes

Deaths on New York Ski Slopes

Stephen R. Coffey

Written by Stephen R. Coffey

Published: March 29, 2019

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.
Article Tags:

Trending Articles

The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids


by Bryan Driscoll

Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?

family law surrogacy adoption headline

Recognizing Legal Leaders: The 2027 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan and Singapore


by Jamilla Tabbara

Market drivers, diversity trends and the elite practitioners shaping the legal landscape.

Illustrated maps of Australia, Japan and Singapore displayed with their national flags, representing

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

Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies


by Bryan Driscoll

Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.

Stack of money wrapped in a festive bow, symbolizing holiday pay

Can a Green Card Be Revoked?


by Bryan Driscoll

Revocation requires a legal basis, notice and the chance to respond before status can be taken away.

Close-up of a U.S. Permanent Resident Card showing the text 'PERMANENT RESIDENT'

New Texas Family Laws Transform Navigating Divorce, Custody


by Bryan Driscoll

Reforms are sweeping, philosophically distinct and designed to change the way families operate.

definition of family headline

How Far Back Can the IRS Audit You?


by Bryan Driscoll

Clear answers on IRS statutes of limitations, recordkeeping and what to do if you are under review.

Gloved hand holding a spread of one-hundred-dollar bills near an IRS tax document

US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory


by Bryan Driscoll

The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.

US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory headline

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

Can You File Bankruptcy on Credit Cards


by Bryan Driscoll

Understanding your options for relief from overwhelming debt.

Red credit card on point-of-sale terminal representing credit card debt

Uber’s Staged Accidents Lawsuit a Signal Flare for Future of Fraud Litigation


by Bryan Driscoll

Civil RICO is no longer niche, and corporate defendants are no longer content to play defense.

Uber staged car crash headline

Anthropic Class Action a Warning Shot for AI Industry


by Bryan Driscoll

The signal is clear: Courts, not Congress, are writing the first rules of AI.

authors vs anthropic ai lawsuit headline

How to Get Full Custody of a Child


by Bryan Driscoll

Learn the legal steps, required evidence and common misconceptions about full custody to protect your parental rights.

Child holding hands with two parents, symbolizing custody

How AI Is Changing the Way Clients Find Lawyers


by Jamilla Tabbara

Best Lawyers CEO Phil Greer explains how AI-driven search tools are reshaping legal marketing and why credibility markers matter.

AI chat bubble icon with stars representing artificial intelligence transforming client-lawyer conne

Colorado’s 2026 Water Rights Battles


by Bryan Driscoll

A new era of conflict begins.

Colorado Water Rights 2026: A New Era of Conflict headline

Canadian Firms Explore AI, But Few Fully Embrace the Shift


by David L. Brown

BLF survey reveals caution despite momentum.

Canadian Firms Explore AI, But Few Fully Embrace the Shift headline