Skiing Accident Claims

Skiing is a beloved winter sport practised by thousands of Brits in locations across the world. While it is a fun and exciting sport, it can also be dangerous due to the high speeds reached when going down the slopes.

If you’ve suffered an injury while skiing due to someone else’s negligence within the past three years, you may be eligible to make a skiing accident claim for compensation.

Examples of situations that might entitle you to compensation include injuries caused by defective equipment, improper training, poorly maintained slopes and faulty ski lifts. If you have a valid claim, your compensation will cover your pain and suffering, as well as any related financial losses.

To find out if you can start a skiing injury claim, get in touch by calling free on 0800 470 0474. You can also use our online contact form to request a call back.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to make a skiing accident claim?
• How do I claim compensation for a skiing accident?
• What evidence do I need to support my claim?
• Common types of skiing accidents
• Who could be liable for a skiing injury?
• What ski injuries can I claim compensation for?
• Can I make a claim if I was partially at fault?
• Can I claim compensation for a skiing accident abroad?
• How do I make a claim on behalf of a loved one?
• Time limits to start a skiing accident compensation claim
• How much skiing injury compensation could I receive?
• Can I make my claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

Am I eligible to make a skiing accident claim?

If you had an accident when skiing, you might be entitled to compensation for the injuries you sustained and their impact on your life. The easiest way to find out if you may be able to claim is through a free consultation with an experienced solicitor.

They will ask you some questions over the phone to determine whether:

• Another party, such as an instructor or the ski resort, owed you a legal duty of care;
• Your accident happened because they breached their duty towards you;
• You suffered injuries and other losses due to the accident.

Your solicitor will be able to establish a duty of care based on legislation such as the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 and the rules of conduct published by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Once liability is determined, they will help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong claim and secure the skiing accident compensation you deserve.

How do I claim compensation for a skiing accident?

There are a number of steps involved in making a personal injury claim for a skiing accident. These are as follows:

• Have your injuries assessed and treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Your medical records will serve as key evidence in your claim.
• If you can, gather evidence, such as photos and witness contact details at the accident scene. You should also report the incident to the ski resort and ask for a signed copy of the accident report.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case, determine liability and advise you on your legal options. They will also help you collate all the evidence you need to support your claim.
• If you are entitled to compensation for your skiing accident, your solicitor will help you submit your claim to the responsible party. They have three months to investigate the case and admit or deny liability.
• If the other party admits liability, you can begin to negotiate a settlement. Most claims (over 96%) are settled like this, as it benefits both parties.
• If liability is disputed or you cannot agree on the amount of compensation, court proceedings may be necessary. If you go to court, a judge will examine the evidence from both parties and decide the outcome of the claim.
• If your case is successful, you will receive your skiing injury compensation within four weeks of an agreement being reached.

What evidence do I need to support my claim?

Various types of evidence can be helpful when making a winter sports accident claim, including:

• Photographs or videos of the accident location and any hazards that contributed to it;
• Pictures of any visible injuries and any damage to your personal possessions or ski equipment;
• Medical records of your injuries, treatments and your recovery prognosis;
• A report from a medical specialist regarding any long-term effects of your injuries and your future care needs;
• Statements from witnesses who saw the accident, such as other skiers, snowboarders or the resort staff;
• Details of the weather and piste conditions at the time of the accident;
• A copy of an official accident report filed with the ski resort or instructor;
• Receipts related to your ski pass and any rental equipment you used;
• Your testimony about what happened and how the accident has affected your life;
• You also need evidence of financial losses and expenses, such as receipts and invoices.

If you are entitled to compensation, your solicitor will help you gather everything you need to support your claim.

Common types of skiing accidents

Some of the most common examples of accidents when skiing or snowboarding include:

• Collisions with other skiers or snowboarders due to lack of experience or recklessness;
• Accidents caused by poorly maintained slopes with hazards such as rocks or missing safety nets;
• Ski lift accidents due to sudden stops, faulty chairs or old cables that break;
• Accidents caused by faulty equipment, such as damaged skis or helmets;
• Injuries caused by avalanches and poor management of the slopes;
• Incidents related to poor advice, guidance and supervision from ski instructors;
• Accidents related to poor weather conditions, such as fog or strong winds;
• Incidents that are caused by a lack of proper safety signage and warnings;
• Using the wrong ski size for your height, weight or skill level can also lead to accidents.

If your accident was due to another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim for the injuries you sustained.

Who could be liable for a skiing injury?

Liability for a skiing accident and any resulting injuries could lie with several parties, including:

• Another skier or snowboarder, if they failed to follow the safety rules established by the FIS and caused a collision;
• A ski lift operator, if they allowed a defective lift to operate, failed to stop the lift during adverse weather conditions or were negligent in any other way;
• A skiing instructor who gave you poor guidance or took you on slopes beyond your skill level;
• A rental company, if you had an accident due to faulty or poorly maintained equipment or being given skis that were not fit for you;
• A manufacturer, if your accident was due to equipment defects, lack of proper quality control or failure to provide adequate instructions;
• A tour operator could also be liable for compensation if your ski trip was part of a package holiday and they failed to ensure your safety.

What ski injuries can I claim compensation for?

If you’ve been injured in a skiing accident due to someone else’s negligence or faulty equipment, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Some of the most common ski injuries that could form the basis of a claim are:

• Leg and knee injuries, such as fractures, meniscus tears and ACL tears caused by falls or collisions;
• Head and brain injuries that can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma;
• Back and spinal injuries from high-impact falls or impacts, the most severe of which can cause permanent paralysis;
• Shoulder and arm injuries, such as dislocations, sprains and broken bones caused by falls or direct impact;
• Facial and dental injuries such as a broken nose or teeth;
• Soft tissue injuries like whiplash, muscle sprains and strains caused by sudden movements, impacts or falls.

The type and extent of the harm you suffered will determine how much compensation you could receive for your sports injury.

Can I make a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. You may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partially responsible for your accident or injury. In this case, however, any compensation you receive will likely be reduced based on your level of fault.

For example, if you suffered a leg injury valued at £20,000 and were deemed 25% at fault for it, your compensation would be reduced to £15,000.

Some instances of contributory negligence leading to an accident whilst skiing include:

• Not wearing a helmet or using faulty gear;
• Skiing on slopes that are beyond your ability level;
• Skiing in unsafe weather conditions or on difficult terrain;
• Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs;
• Not following safety instructions during a lesson or guided tour.

Remember that it is important not to admit any fault at the accident scene. If you make a claim, it will be up to the defendant to deny liability or prove your contributory negligence.

Can I claim compensation for a skiing accident abroad?

If you went skiing abroad and you suffered an injury, you may be entitled to make a winter holiday accident claim. As long as the accident was caused by someone else, you can still pursue compensation, even if it happened in another country.

If the accident happened abroad and you booked it as part of a package holiday, you could claim against the tour operator. The process is typically more straightforward in such cases, as you can make your claim in the UK.

If you booked a skiing trip or ski lessons in another country, you will usually have to sue directly against the negligent party. This often means taking legal action in the country you were injured in and under that country’s laws.

While claiming for an accident abroad can be more complex, a solicitor with expertise in international claims can help you navigate the legal system and secure the compensation you deserve.

How do I make a claim on behalf of a loved one?

If a loved one is injured and cannot start a claim, you can represent them as a litigation friend. This is often the case when the injured party is a child under 18 or an adult who lacks the mental capacity to handle legal proceedings.

To become a litigation friend, you must apply to the court, proving that:

• You can make fair decisions about the claim
• There are no conflicts of interest between you and the claimant

Making a claim as a litigation friend is similar to any other compensation claim. You will help your solicitor gather supporting evidence, sign legal documents and make decisions that are in your loved one’s best interests.

If you manage to secure compensation for your loved one, a judge must approve this during a court hearing. You can then deposit the awarded payment in a personal injury trust in your loved one’s name.

Time limits to start a skiing accident compensation claim

If you were involved in a ski accident that wasn’t your fault, you typically have three years to start a claim. If you miss this deadline, your case will be time-barred and no longer valid according to the Limitation Act 1980.

A few exceptions apply to the three-year claim limitation date:

• A parent or legal can make a child injury claim on behalf of a minor at any time. The three-year time limit only begins on the child’s 18th birthday, from which they have until 21 to claim compensation themselves.
• If the injured party is mentally unable to start a claim, the time limit is put on hold. A litigation friend could represent them at any time.
• If your accident occurred abroad, the time limit to make a claim can vary from country to country and be shorter than three years.

How much skiing injury compensation could I receive?

How much compensation you could receive for a skiing accident will depend on the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Your skiing accident compensation will be made up of two types of damages:

General damages are awarded for the type and severity of your injuries and will take into account:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Physical and mental disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Impact on amenities, such as your hobbies and leisure activities
• Loss of consortium or companionship

Special damages are awarded for related financial losses and expenses, such as:

• Medical expenses, including prescriptions, private treatments and rehabilitation
• Loss of earnings during recovery and impact on future earning capacity
• Travel costs for medical appointments
• Care and assistance with daily activities, even if provided by a loved one
• Adaptations to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability

Our online compensation calculator can show you how much your claim could be worth within minutes. These payments are based on guidelines from the Judicial College, which solicitors and the courts use to calculate compensation in all personal injury cases.

Can I make my claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you have a valid claim, the injury lawyers we partner with will help you get the compensation you deserve on a no win no fee basis. That means you do not have to worry about upfront legal fees or having a hefty legal bill to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.

The no win no fee service works as follows:

• You do not have to pay your solicitor a single penny for them to start working on your case;
• They take on the risk of litigation, so you can rest assured that your claim is valid and you are not wasting time and resources;
• If your claim is successful, your solicitor is entitled to a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation (up to a maximum of 25%);
• If you lose, you do not have to pay them anything.

For free legal advice, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our contact form to request a call back. If you can proceed with a claim, your personal injury solicitor will offer you a no win no fee agreement and guide you every step of the way.

Last edited on 7th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.