- Another skier, a ski lift operator, a resort, an instructor or an activity provider can be held liable for your injuries.
- Taking part in a sport does not mean you have accepted the risk of being injured by someone else's fault.
- The evidence gathered on the day (witnesses, ski patrol report, photos) is often decisive.
Who can be held liable?
| Who | When |
|---|---|
| Another skier or snowboarder | When they caused the collision through a fault: excessive speed, loss of control, failure to give way. |
| The ski lift operator | When you are injured on a lift, especially during the ride itself. |
| The ski resort | When a piste was poorly marked, maintained or secured. |
| An instructor, guide or activity provider | When supervision, instructions or equipment fell short of what was required. |
| A hotel, beach club or rental company | When an unsafe facility or defective equipment caused the accident. |
I was hit by another skier. What are my rights?
The skier who caused the collision is liable if they committed a fault. French courts commonly refer to the FIS rules of conduct (control of speed, priority to the skier below, safe overtaking…) to decide who was at fault. The skier's personal liability insurance — often included in their home insurance or ski pass insurance — will then have to compensate you.
The French rule limiting liability between sportspeople only concerns damage to property. It does not prevent you from being compensated for your injuries.
I was injured on a ski lift or on a piste
Ski lift operators owe passengers a strict duty of safety during the ride: if you are injured while being transported, you generally do not have to prove a fault. During boarding and getting off, where you play an active part, you will usually need to show that the operator failed in its duty of care.
Resorts must also mark, maintain and secure their pistes. A missing warning sign, an unprotected obstacle or a poorly closed piste can engage their liability.
Instructors, guides and organised activities
Ski schools, mountain guides, diving centres, paragliding schools or jet-ski rental companies must take reasonable care of your safety: appropriate supervision, clear instructions, equipment in good condition, activity suited to your level. When they fall short, you can claim compensation from them and their insurers.
Who pays for rescue, and what about my insurance?
In France, mountain rescue on the slopes and helicopter evacuation are often charged to the injured person. Check whether your ski pass insurance, travel insurance or credit card covers these costs. If another person is responsible for your accident, these costs form part of the compensation you can claim from them.
Your own insurance may only cover rescue, medical costs and repatriation. It does not replace the full compensation owed by the person responsible: lost income, pain and suffering, long-term consequences.
What should I do after the accident?
Ask the ski patrol for their accident report and the identity of the other skier.
Take the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
Take photos of the place, the signage, the equipment and your injuries.
Keep your ski pass, lift tickets and booking confirmations.
See a doctor and keep every medical document and receipt.
If the other skier refuses to give their details, report the accident to the police or gendarmerie.
Injured skiing or during a leisure activity in France? I can help you claim, in English.
This guide provides general information on French law. It is not a substitute for advice on your individual situation.