Skiing is a dangerous sport, and this season is proving why. With avalanches and snowstorms being major threats this season, the season has been plagued with accidents. Just two days into 2025, the skiing community has already experienced its first major accident. It is especially troublesome for both the local authorities and enthusiasts.

The rising toll of skiing accidents has been especially dangerous in the Colorado area, where in the past month there have been multiple mishaps. Moreover, the conditions have been fatal in the past few weeks, with four such accidents happening at the Berthoud Pass. To add to the fear, a fifth accident took place on the 2nd of January.

The recent incident was due to an avalanche and occurred around 1:30 p.m., carrying the skier nearly a hundred yards and burying them under the snow. The skier managed to self-extricate from the snow while a search and rescue party was being formed. While there were no visible signs of injury, the concerns regarding Russell Peak remained at an all-time high.

Despite the recent accident ending without any fatalities, it is adding to the rising toll of skiing-related accidents. Authorities have already reported 15 accidents and identified 17 victims so far. Despite the raised precautions, the conditions and dangers keep the community on high alert. The rescue efforts have been largely successful, with only one victim reported having suffered fatal injuries.

Places elsewhere, however, have not been as lucky. Many states have reported fatal accidents with the death of budding prospects, ensuring that precautions are being taken all around.

Multiple skiing-related fatalities across the USA

While Colorado has sidestepped any fatalities this season, Utah already has two such incidents. As reported in the Denver Gazette, both happened in the Salt Lake area. Authorities are on high alert. Both these incidents happened within days of each other, with one happening on the 28th of December and the other following suit on the 31st.

In the former, a skier who went to the backcountry alone for skiing met with strong winds and heavy snow. The resulting avalanche proved fatal, claiming the life of a 38-year-old from Quebec. In the latter incident, another fatal avalanche happened near the Silver Fork Drainage of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

An avalanche, caused by a split board, completely buried a person under twenty feet of snow. By the time authorities arrived, he had already passed away. Similar incidents have also happened in other states as well. One appeared at Idaho’s Lookout Peak and involved a snowbike resulting in a fatality.

Another snow-bike-induced avalanche occurred in Nevada, this time in the Lamoille Canyon of the Ruby Mountains. Tragically, the victim could not be rescued in time. While no new fatalities have happened in 2025, those into skiing must be careful. Berthoud Pass has especially been the epicenter with four accidents so far.

Enthusiasts are told to check the avalanche-related guidelines before venturing into the backcountry. At 3-out-of-5, there is considerable risk in the area.