Deadly incident in the snow raises questions about terrain park safety

A young snowboarder's death at Perisher this week has cast a sobering light on the inherent risks of terrain parks, just as Australia's largest ski resort enjoys one of its best snow seasons in years.

The 22-year-old man was fatally injured at Perisher's Front Valley Terrain Park on Tuesday afternoon, with emergency services called around 2:30pm. Despite treatment from paramedics, including helicopter and multiple ambulance crews, he died at the scene.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The incident occurred in what's described as the freestyle area with jumps that 'attracts and challenges professional athletes from all over the world due to its constantly evolving features,' and is home to the 'biggest jumps and rails' at the ski resort.

Jumps there can range from 4.6 metres to 9.1 metres in height.

'Perisher Ski Resort, Ski Patrol, and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest's family and friends'

Perisher is located on Mount Kosciuszko and is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, made up of four resort areas and offering 1,245 skiable hectares with more than 100km of marked cross-country trails.

Most of the resort caters to beginner and intermediate skiers, with about 18% dedicated to advanced terrain. The resort reopened for the 2025 snow season on June 7.

Understanding terrain park risks

While terrain parks add excitement to skiing and snowboarding, research shows they carry significantly higher risks than traditional slopes.

A study of ski injuries found that terrain park accidents were more likely to be severe, involving head injuries at 1.31 times the rate and back injuries at 1.96 times the rate of traditional slope accidents.

Of fatal skiing accidents in the 2022-23 US season, 19 occurred on intermediate terrain and one on freestyle terrain, highlighting that while terrain park fatalities are rare, the consequences can be severe.

This tragedy comes during what many are calling a bumper start to the 2025 ski season, with some resorts getting more than 50 centimetres of fresh snow, including Perisher receiving a total of 60 centimetres.

The early snowfall and neutral climate indicators have generated cautious optimism among resort operators, who are hopeful for a rebound after skier visits dropped by 34% from their peak in 2022.

With four resort areas, five terrain parks and Australia's only Superpipe, Perisher offers options for all abilities.

Understanding terrain park classifications is crucial for safety. The orange oval sign marks freestyle terrain, with feature sizes ranging from XS (extra small) to XL (extra large). Starting small and progressing gradually is key.

Programs like 'Smart Style' promote a structured approach to safety: START SMALL, MAKE A PLAN, ALWAYS LOOK, RESPECT, and TAKE IT EASY.

For older adults or families with mixed skill levels, Perisher's wide range of beginner and intermediate runs offers plenty of enjoyment without venturing into high-risk terrain.

While this incident highlights terrain park dangers, the overall risk of snow sport fatalities is low.

In a 32-year study of Snowy Mountains skiing-related deaths, there were 29 cases: eight from trauma, 15 from cardiovascular causes, and six from hypothermia. Nationally, the most common hospitalisation causes are simple falls, not collisions.

Perisher emphasises guest and employee safety as a high priority, aiming to remove or minimise risks, though there are inherent risks in all snow sports. The ski industry continues to promote helmet usage, which has reached 88% among participants.

This season’s excellent conditions promise memorable experiences for thousands, but riders should approach the mountain with respect, self-awareness, and a clear understanding of their limits—especially in advanced areas like terrain parks.

Read more: Why this snow-covered attraction has everyone talking? It's not for the right reasons!

What experiences have shaped your approach to mountain safety over the years? Whether you're a longtime snow sports enthusiast or someone considering your first mountain adventure, your insights could help fellow readers make informed decisions about their winter activities.