European ski resorts are as safe as their U.S. counterparts, safety experts and skiers say, although the style of the sport here might make it appear more dangerous. Americans skiing in Europe might find the slopes to be disorganized and chaotic, said Terry Petz, Europe division director of the National Ski Patrol, but the areas are just as safe as their U.S. counterparts because most people in Europe take greater responsibility for their actions. On Nov. 11, at least 155 people, including eight Americans living in Germany, were killed when a cable car in Kaprun, Austria, caught fire. Petz said the lifts and all other ski resort equipment in Europe is as safe in the United States.
Skiing is a sport where accidents occur and people die, regardless of the location.
High profile ski-related deaths in the United States include Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy, who both died in 1998. Stars and Stripes was unable to find similar statistics for ski resorts in Europe. I love skiing in Europe. The countries are just not as obsessed with safety as it is in America. I'm beginning to appreciate the U.S. more.