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West Valley City Journal

Ski & Snowboard News / 5 year old learning to ski killed by 23 year old going 50 mph

Feb 06, 2020 02:54PM ● By Harriet Wallis

NSAA snow angel poster is safety message reminder of 5 year old killed by 23 year old going 50 mph. On display at Brighton.

Slopes are more crowded. Two resorts have safety campaigns to emphasize the importance of safety.

At Deer Valley, free standing signs on the Plaza and at the top of lifts emphasize common sense and slope safety.

You might be a hot skier, but that skier below you has the right of way. / All photos: Harriet Wallis

Give them room. Deer Valley urges 15 feet of clearance when passing.


At Brighton, snow angel posters are posted in prominent places. Those posters are part of the National Ski Area Association campaign to educate skiers and riders to take safety seriously.

The deadly accident did not happen at Brighton or in Utah, but it did happen. A 5-year-old learning to ski was struck and killed by an out-of-control 23 year old going 50 mph.

Watch the video here

Seven Points to Your Responsibility Code -- the universal rules at all ski areas
  1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

  2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

  3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

  5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

  6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

  7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.