Every winter, emergency rooms across Massachusetts see a surge in winter sports injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, spinal trauma, and internal injuries caused by skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice skating accidents. Many of these injuries are preventable. Others happen because someone failed to follow basic safety rules, maintain equipment, or properly supervise an activity.
If you plan to take advantage of winter sports this season, a little preparation and caution can make the difference between great memories and a long recovery.
Stay Smart. Stay Equipped. Stay Safe.
Wear proper protective gear at all times — especially a helmet. Head injuries are among the most serious risks in winter sports, and properly fitted equipment, including goggles, padding, wrist guards, and insulated gloves, can significantly reduce the chance of catastrophic harm. If your gear is old, damaged, or doesn’t fit, replace it.
Know your limits and respect them. Many serious injuries happen when people push beyond their ability, ski or ride while exhausted, or ignore warning signs. Stick to terrain that matches your skill level, take breaks, and supervise children and beginners closely.
Check conditions before you go. New England weather and ice conditions change quickly. Pay attention to forecasts, trail conditions, posted warnings, and closures. Avoid icy, poorly lit, or overcrowded areas.
Maintain your equipment and never mix winter sports with alcohol or drugs. Poorly maintained gear and impaired judgment are a dangerous combination and a common cause of life-changing accidents.
Massachusetts Winter Sports Laws and Injury Liability
Massachusetts has specific legal rules that apply to certain winter sports — and breaking them can affect both safety and liability.
Skiing and Snowboarding Duties
Massachusetts law spells out what skiers and snowboarders must do on the hill. Skiers are legally required to:
- Maintain control of their speed and direction at all times.
- Yield the right of way properly to other skiers.
- Avoid collisions and stay on designated trails.
- Have devices attached to their skis or boards to prevent runaway equipment.
If you violate these duties — like skiing closed trails or failing to control your speed — you can be held legally responsible for injuries you cause to others.
Under Massachusetts law, skiers and snowboarders also assume the risk of many inherent dangers in the sport — such as variable terrain, weather changes, and snow conditions. That means they generally cannot sue a ski area just because they were injured by these “inherent risks.”
However, if a ski area’s negligence contributed to the injury — like failing to warn about unsafe conditions or violating its mandated duties — liability may attach. Ski resort operators must mark hazards and maintain reasonable safety practices.
Snowmobile Operator Rules
Massachusetts also has specific laws for snowmobile use:
- Operators under 16½ must be supervised by an adult when crossing public roads.
- Helmets are legally required for operators and passengers.
- Snowmobiles must be properly registered, and trail permits must be displayed where required.
- Unloaded firearms must be secured if carried on a snowmobile.
These requirements aren’t just safety tips — they’re legal mandates. Failure to follow them can result in citation and liability if an accident happens.
Ice Skating and Ice Rinks
Ice skating — whether on a local pond or at an indoor rink — carries real risk of falls and collisions. Many rinks ask participants to sign waivers and releases of liability before skating. While waivers don’t eliminate all legal responsibility, in Massachusetts such agreements can significantly limit what an injured adult can recover in court.
For parents, waivers signed on behalf of minor children can also affect the families’ rights in the event of a serious injury.
What To Do If An Injury Happens
Despite best efforts, accidents still occur. If you or a family member is hurt:
- Seek immediate medical attention — injuries can worsen if untreated.
- Document everything — photos of conditions, witness contacts, equipment details, and your version of events matter.
- Report the incident promptly — ski areas, parks, and property owners may have reporting requirements that affect legal rights. In ski incidents, for example, Massachusetts law requires injured skiers to give timely notice to ski area operators if they intend to pursue claims.
Winter sports in Massachusetts come with both risk and responsibility. Knowing the law, and acting on it, isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits. It’s about making wise choices that keep you and your family safe, confident, and ready to enjoy the season.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a winter sports accident, and you would like to speak to one of SUGARMAN’s attorneys, call 617-542-1000, email , or fill out our contact form.