Montana winters draw people from all over the country. Big Sky, Great Divide, Showdown, and the slopes near Whitefish and Kalispell fill up fast once the snow hits. Most days on the mountain go just fine. But a fun run can turn into a painful ride down with ski patrol when another skier or snowboarder crashes into you.
If that happened to you, you may be dealing with medical bills, lost work, and pain that’s getting worse instead of better. You may also be wondering whether the person who hit you can be held responsible. The short answer is yes — in Montana, another skier or snowboarder can be liable when they ride out of control, ignore right-of-way rules, or fail to watch for people below them.
At Conner, Marr & Pinski, our family-run Montana firm has represented injured Montanans since 1974. We’re local, we know the mountains, and we know how these collisions happen. You won’t get passed off to another office or an out-of-state team. You work directly with our attorneys, the same people who will stand beside you through the entire claim.
Montana Ski & Snowboard Collision Cases: What Really Counts
Not every ski injury turns into a legal claim. Slipping on a patch of ice or catching an edge is part of skiing. What does matter is when someone else’s actions cause your crash.
Montana skiers and snowboarders have a duty to ride in control. They must watch for the downhill skier, avoid weaving through crowded trails at high speeds, and make safe decisions when merging onto runs. When they choose not to follow those safety rules, people get hurt — sometimes badly.
If you were hit by another rider, that is not just “part of the sport.” You may have a clear path to a personal injury case, and we can help you understand every step.
When Another Skier or Snowboarder Can Be Held Liable
Most mountain collisions stem from avoidable behavior. Some of the most common examples include:
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Skiing too fast for conditions or for the level of the trail
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Failing to look uphill when starting downhill or merging
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Cutting across a run without checking for riders below
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Losing control on crowded terrain
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Stopping in blind spots where others cannot see them
On the hill, the downhill skier or rider always has the right-of-way. This is not a loose “guideline.” It’s a safety rule that protects everyone on the mountain. When an uphill skier ignores it and slams into someone, that is negligence.
We regularly see these cases come with real injuries — broken bones, torn knees, concussions and brain injuries, shoulder damage, back / spinal cord injuries, and long-term pain. Even a lower-speed crash can send someone head-first into the snow with enough force to change their life. If your injuries came from a collision, it’s worth calling our team to learn your options.
What To Do After a Ski Collision in Montana
The minutes after a crash can feel like a blur, especially when the adrenaline is pumping. If possible, try to:
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Get contact information from the skier or snowboarder who hit you
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Ask any bystanders for their names or phone numbers
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Take photos of the area, the conditions, and your gear
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Report the collision to ski patrol
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Get medical care right away, even if you think you’re “fine”
Internal injuries, concussions, and soft-tissue damage often show up hours or days later. Getting checked early also helps document the injuries for your claim.
Who Pays for a Ski or Snowboard Collision Injury?
Many people are surprised to learn that these cases are often covered by the at-fault rider’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies usually provide personal liability coverage for injuries caused outside of a vehicle — including on a ski hill.
This means your recovery can come from an insurance company, not the individual rider, which helps make the process smoother. Our team knows how to track down the coverage, deal with the adjusters, and push back when they try to downplay what you’re going through.
Why Injured Skiers Across Montana Call Conner, Marr & Pinski
Ski collision cases can get complicated fast. People forget details, insurance companies drag things out, and the person who hit you might deny what happened. You need a local team that understands the mountains, the injuries, and the way these claims are defended.
At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we bring Montana values into every case: real conversations, honest guidance, and hands-on work from the attorneys you actually hired. We are not a volume firm. We select cases that need real attention, and we stay involved from start to finish.
Talk With a Montana Ski & Snowboard Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt because someone else hit you on the mountain, you shouldn’t navigate this alone. These claims are real, and your injuries deserve real attention. Let our Montana attorneys walk you through your options and take the weight off your shoulders.
Contact Conner, Marr & Pinski today for a free consultation. Call us, or reach out online, and our team will get back to you right away. You only get one chance to build your case — make sure you’re backed by a Montana firm that treats you like family.
Montana Ski & Snowboard Collision Injuries
Can I file a claim if another skier hit me on the mountain?
Yes. When another rider fails to ski in control, ignores right-of-way rules, or cuts into someone’s path, they can be held liable for the injuries they cause.
Is the ski resort responsible for a skier-to-skier collision?
Usually no. Most collision cases involve the at-fault rider, not the resort. Resorts are only responsible when the injury involves a dangerous condition they should have handled.
Does the person who hit me have insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies include liability coverage that applies to ski collisions.
What if I didn’t get the other skier’s name?
Ski patrol reports, witness statements, and other evidence can still help. Contact us as soon as you can so we can start tracking down information.
