The death of a young 26-year-old snowboarder on Saturday night in Bromont has left the ski community questioning the effectiveness of the measures taken on Quebec’s ski slopes to ensure the safety of users.
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Although skiing and snowboarding are risky sports, the ski slopes are subject to safety norms that must be followed. For Josée Cusson, communications director of the Association des ski stations du Québec (ASSQ), there is no doubt that the slopes are safe.
“All ski resorts respect the safety regulations and signage rules,” she said, without being able to comment on the tragedy that happened on Saturday evening at the Bromont ski resort.
snow guns
According to station employees, the young snowboarder collided with a light pole, which likely resulted in his death. But early Sunday morning, the rumor circulated on social networks that an unprotected snow gun was the cause of the accident.
While some trail users have called for pads to be installed on unprotected snow guns, Ms. Cusson has ruled out that possibility.
“Would we put cushions on all the trees? There is no obligation in ski resort safety regulations to protect snow cannons,” she stressed.
Whose responsibility is it?
Ski resorts must comply with the applicable safety regulations. But it is also up to skiers to be careful and not take unnecessary risks, said the ASSQ communications director.
For example, wearing a helmet can be a good way to protect yourself in a collision. In addition, this measure seems to be popular with skiers.
“Helmets are compulsory in fun parks, but not in ski areas. However, with the promotion of safety at ski resorts, more than 90% of skiers wear a helmet,” added Ms Cusson.
The investigation into the death of the 26-year-old snowboarder is still ongoing.