Rash of deaths on slopes prove riding can be dangerous

Even though the National Ski Areas Association reports a decline in the number of ski injuries in the last decade, the same cannot be said for deaths. The 2010-11 ski season is starting off with some unusual deaths.

This story from the Vancouver Sun talks about a rider who died at Blackcomb when he fell into a creek.

Two people died Christmas Eve when a snowboarder collided with two skiers.

Tahoe area resorts have not reported any deaths this ski season. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Mount Hood Meadows in Oregon has had four deaths in 2010, which includes last ski season.

Two people have died at Cannon Mountain in December.

Mountain High ski resort in Southern California reported a snowboarder died on Monday.

The National Ski Areas Association reports 25 skier and 13 snowboarder deaths during the 2009-10 season out of 59.8 million skier-snowboarder days. Stats show of those 38 deaths, 30 were males.

Snowboarders typically are injured more often, while skiers have more deaths. The use of helmets has decreased the number of head injuries by 50 percent, according to NSAA.

Despite these statistics, snow sports are relatively safe compared to other activities. The National Safety Council reports in 2008, 900 U.S. residents died bicycle riding, and 3,600 drowned either swimming, playing in the water or falling in.

— Compiled by Kathryn Reed