Planning a ski trip in North Carolina? Here’s how to stay safe on the slopes

Two skiers were recently hospitalized after a ruptured fire hydrant at Beech Mountain Ski Resort shot a geyser of water at a chair lift.

A video of the incident, which appears to show a person on the lift being sprayed with water, was shared on TikTok last Friday and has been viewed more than 17 million times.

The skiers had non-life threatening injuries, resort management said in a statement to The Charlotte Observer.

“We believe everyone is okay outside of the unfortunate situation, and operations are on a regular schedule,” according to the statement.

While the incident has left some questioning the safety of ski resorts, statistics show the probability of getting severely injured while skiing or riding a chair lift are extremely rare.

Skiing injuries

Over the past 10 years, U.S. ski areas average less than one fatality per 1 million skier visits, according to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). A skier visit is counted every time a skier or snowboarder goes to a ski area.

“Catastrophic injuries, including those with significant neurological trauma, spinal cord injuries resulting in full or partial paralysis, and injuries resulting in the loss of a limb, are also rare,” the NSAA website says.

In the 2020-2021 season, there were 41 catastrophic injuries in 59 million skier visits nationally, according to the NSAA.

Safety on the slopes

Before hitting the slopes, it is best to take a lesson from a qualified ski or snowboarding instructor, said NSAA Director of Marketing & Communications Adrienne Saia Isaac. It is also important to obtain proper, wind and water-resistant clothing, sun and eye protection, and dress in layers are also important to stay protected in harsh weather conditions.

“Taking a lesson can be a fun way to demystify skiing and riding – you learn about gear, how to ride the lift and general tips for being a better skier or rider,” Isaac said.

For skiers and snowboarders, staying aware of your surroundings, including the terrain, snow conditions and other riders, are the best way to avoid collisions, the NSAA website says.

“Skiers and riders should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions during a ski day,” said Isaac. “Signage on the mountain and on trail maps will indicate the relative difficulty of a ski trail, but if you are new to a ski area, ask a member of ski patrol or guest services for help identifying the runs that might be within your ability level.”

Drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and resting in between runs are also crucial for attentiveness on the slopes, according to the NSAA.

Lift safety tips

To ensure your experience on a ski lift is comfortable, the NSAA recommends the following:

• Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.

• Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items.

• Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach

• Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.

• If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Adults should always help kids lower the bar.

• Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift.

• As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.

This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM.