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On February 22, 2025, a Connecticut man collided with a tree while skiing at Solitude Mountain Resort and tragically passed away. According to reports, the man was found unresponsive by ski patrol.
This recent incident is a difficult reminder of the risks associated with winter sports and the essential role helmets play in preventing fatalities. From an engineering perspective, understanding the mechanics of skiing accidents can help improve safety measures and save lives.
Forensic Analysis of Winter Sports Accidents
CED Technologies’ team of biomechanical engineers plays a crucial role in reconstructing Winter sports accidents to determine the contributing factors and potential preventative measures.
When analyzing incidents like the one at Solitude Mountain Resort, experts examine questions including:
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- Speed and Impact Forces – How fast was the skier traveling at the time of the crash?
- Terrain and Obstacles – Was the athlete navigating through a wooded area, moguls, or a steep descent?
- Biomechanics of Injury – What kind of force was exerted on the head and body upon impact?
- Equipment and Safety Measures – Was the skier wearing a helmet, and was it properly fitted?
In identifying these factors, our engineers can provide insight into how the event occurred.
The Science Behind Helmet Safety
Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding present unique dangers, with unpredictable terrain, high speeds, and crowded slopes increasing the risk of collisions. In the U.S., approximately 84% of all skiers and snowboarders wear helmets, and nearly all children under nine wear helmets. This widespread adoption is a positive trend toward reducing head-related injuries on the slopes, as studies demonstrate that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 60%.
While helmets do not prevent 100% of injuries, however, they will limit the accidents’ impact by:
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- Absorbing the collision’s kinetic energy to reduce the impact on the brain.
- Distributing the impact force over a larger surface area.
- Preventing direct skull fractures and limiting rotational brain injuries.
While some skiers refuse to wear helmets, research consistently demonstrates that helmets significantly decrease the likelihood of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and fatalities in recreational activities, such as winter sports.
Engineering Standards for Ski Helmets
Regulatory standards ensure that helmets meet safety requirements for impact resistance and durability in the U.S. and Europe. The most recognized ski helmet standards include:
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- US Standard ASTM F2040 (American Society for Testing and Materials) – This certification is used for recreational snow sports and ensures the helmet will withstand multiple impacts and extreme cold temperatures.
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- CE EN 1077 A/B (European Standard) – Divides helmet certification into two categories: Class A (full coverage, higher impact protection) and Class B (lighter, more breathable). These certified helmets must pass requirements related to the field of vision, coverage, shock absorbing capacity (under various temperatures and ages), resistance to penetration, retention system, and durability.
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- FIS RH 2013 (International Ski and Snowboard Federation)— This certification is required in some competition settings, such as in alpine Giant Slalom (GS), Super Giant Slalom (SG), and Downhill (DH) alpine events. Helmets under this qualification passed the ASTM 2040 safety test and the CE EN 1077 (class A) safety test. A sticker identification of this certification is imprinted on the back of the helmet.
It is equally vital for an athlete to wear a properly fitting helmet that sits snugly on the head without tilting. Many helmets offer an adjustable chin strap, and a system located on the lower back of the helmet to tighten or loosen the helmet.
Replace your helmet if you are involved in a fall or a collision that causes a head-on impact. Helmets used for winter sports are subject to harsh weather conditions, which can affect the helmet’s protection. If the helmet is cracked or the inside padding has disintegrated, it is time to purchase a new helmet.
Lessons from the Solitude Mountain Resort Incident
While details about the recent fatality in Utah have not been released, forensic experts can analyze similar incidents to assess how helmet use could have affected the outcome. Key considerations such as the impact location and severity of the event, as well as considering the terrain in which the event occurred, can help conclude how the event occurred. Expert testimony that reconstructs how an event occurred can help jurors understand what likely happened and determine the factors that contributed to the resulting injuries. Biomechanical experts were found to be critical during the trial in a recent case regarding a ski accident in Sanderson v. Paltrow. Biomechanical engineers at CED are also able to provide animations of accidents that can be shown during trials.
Consistent winter sports accidents call for continuous improvements in personal safety habits and winter resort safety protocols. While some ski resorts already require helmets for children, expanding this rule to all skiers could reduce the number of injuries annually. Additionally, increasing the number of padded barriers around trees and poles in high-risk areas could help reduce the risk of injuries.
Forensic engineering plays an essential role in understanding how and why accidents happen, leading to improved equipment standards and resort safety protocols. By prioritizing helmet use and enhancing safety awareness, we can work towards a future where winter sport-related head injuries and fatalities are significantly reduced.
CED Technologies’ team of biomechanical engineers has advanced experience in recreating accidents and can analyze the injury and applied forces to determine the causes of the accident.
Stay safe this winter by wearing a helmet!
