Mountain safety often exists in a grey area where speed, visibility, and spatial awareness intersect.

by Compass Vermont

A recent collision between a skier and a snowboarder at Killington Resort has sparked a heated debate regarding on-mountain etiquette and safety. The incident, which was captured on video and shared by Unofficial Networks, shows a high-speed impact followed by a tense verbal confrontation on the slopes of the “Beast of the East.”

The Incident on the Slopes

The footage begins with a snowboarder descending a groomed run at a consistent pace, making predictable turns. From the uphill left, a skier enters the frame at a high rate of speed. The two paths intersect, resulting in a violent collision that knocks both individuals to the ground.

According to the report by Unofficial Networks, the skier immediately stood up and began shouting at the snowboarder, using aggressive language and accusing the snowboarder of causing the accident. The snowboarder remained on the ground for several moments, appearing dazed by the impact, while the skier continued to berate him for “not looking where he was going.”

Understanding the Skier’s Responsibility Code

To determine who might be at fault, Vermont skiers and riders typically look to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Responsibility Code. A central tenet of this code is that “people ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.”

In this specific footage, the snowboarder was positioned further down the hill than the skier prior to the impact. However, Unofficial Networks notes that the debate among viewers often centers on whether the snowboarder’s turn was too wide or if the skier was traveling at a speed that made it impossible to react to other trail users.

Watch and Decide

Mountain safety often exists in a grey area where speed, visibility, and spatial awareness intersect. While the skier in the video was quick to place blame, the community response has been divided between those who criticize the skier’s speed and those who question the snowboarder’s line.

You can view the full video of the collision and the subsequent argument at Unofficial Networks to see the mechanics of the crash and the confrontation for yourself. Caution: The video contains significant vulgar language.

What Happens Next

Following the public release of the footage, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of the “Your Responsibility Code” found at all Vermont resorts. While it is unclear if Killington Ski Patrol or management intervened at the time of the crash, such incidents can lead to the revocation of lift tickets or season passes if a guest is found to be skiing recklessly.

For now, the digital debate continues to serve as a cautionary tale for those heading out to the Vermont mountains this season: stay in control, be aware of those downhill, and maintain a level head if an accident does occur.