June 1, 2026 – A grassroots movement advocating for stricter enforcement of slope safety regulations at Whistler Blackcomb and other Vail Resorts properties has garnered substantial support, with an online petition reaching 1,747 signatures as of today. The petition, initiated by Dr. Christina Williams, a Vancouver-based physician and long-time skier at the Canadian resort, highlights a growing public demand for improved safety protocols on ski slopes. This surge in signatures follows a series of concerning incidents and underscores a broader sentiment that current measures are insufficient to prevent collisions and injuries.
The petition, accessible via a dedicated online platform, directly addresses Whistler Blackcomb and its parent company, Vail Resorts, calling for a comprehensive review and enhancement of their safety policies. Dr. Williams’ personal experience, which includes being struck from behind by a speeding skier and sustaining a broken leg and ankle, serves as a powerful catalyst for her advocacy. This incident, she states, was the third time she had been involved in a collision on the slopes during that particular season alone, emphasizing a pattern of preventable accidents. "I can understand if I fell on a difficult run, but this [accident] was totally avoidable," Dr. Williams remarked, drawing a poignant analogy: "It’s like a highway that doesn’t have police monitoring."
Background and Chronology of Concerns
The petition’s emergence is rooted in a perceived decline in the visible presence and proactive enforcement of safety guidelines since Vail Resorts acquired Whistler Blackcomb. Dr. Williams articulates this concern within the petition’s text, stating, "Since Vail Resorts bought Whistler Blackcomb, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of safety staff enforcing excess speeding on crowded runs suitable for beginners." This alleged reduction in oversight, she contends, has directly contributed to an increase in injuries resulting from collisions, some with life-altering consequences. Examples cited include individuals suffering broken necks and undergoing multiple surgeries, with lasting mobility issues.
Dr. Williams’ own account details the severity of her injury: "I myself have been hit three times this season alone; the last one resulting in a broken leg/ankle." She further notes that ski instructors, who are expected to uphold safety standards, have also been victims of serious accidents. The force of the collision, she explains, was such that the rider who struck her "did not ‘see me’ and as a result could not stop." While acknowledging the rider’s remorse, Dr. Williams stresses that the damage was already done, prompting her to take action.
The sentiment expressed by Dr. Williams is echoed by numerous other skiers and riders who have shared their experiences. The petition highlights that Whistler’s Emergency Department has reported a "significant increase in collision accidents in the last few years." Concurrently, there has been a "noticeable lack of Safety Staff volunteers on the mountain and lack of enforcement over reckless skiing, particularly in busy areas and designated slow zones." This has created an environment where even experienced skiers find the slopes daunting, particularly during peak times such as the end of the day. The situation has reportedly become so concerning that ski schools have resorted to creating their own cordoned-off areas for lessons, a testament to the perceived safety risks on the general slopes.
The Petition’s Demands and Proposed Solutions
Dr. Williams’ petition outlines a series of concrete actions that she and her supporters believe Vail Resorts and Whistler Blackcomb should implement to enhance slope safety for the upcoming ski season. These demands are structured as follows:
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Increase Safety Staff: The petition calls for a substantial increase in the number of safety personnel. The current staffing levels are deemed insufficient, leading to situations where "both mountains cannot be staffed" adequately. The goal is to ensure sufficient personnel to effectively monitor and manage safety on the slopes.
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Enforce the Alpine Responsibility Code: A core demand is the active enforcement of the Alpine Responsibility Code, which governs skier and snowboarder conduct. This includes monitoring reckless skiing and implementing consequences for violations. Historically, dangerous skiing could result in a skier’s pass being revoked, a measure Dr. Williams suggests should be reinstated or augmented.
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Instruct Children Instructors: The petition points to a disturbing practice observed among children’s instructors who are reportedly seen having their students "jump over roads in congested areas." This behavior is deemed dangerous and sends the wrong message to young skiers, normalizing risky practices.
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Create Speed Traps: To directly address the issue of excessive speed, the petition proposes the implementation of "speed traps." This could involve cordoning off specific areas to naturally slow riders down, accompanied by prominent signage indicating speed-controlled zones and the potential repercussions for speeding.
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Publish Accident Data: A call is made for Whistler Blackcomb/Vail Resorts to consider publishing accident data, such as the number of injury reports filed on the mountain. Transparency in this regard could foster greater accountability and highlight the severity of the issue.
The petition concludes with a powerful statement of rights: "Please help us to request the above actions by signing this petition, WE BELIEVE IT WITHIN OUR RIGHTS TO DEMAND VAIL RESORTS GIVE PRIORITY TO OUR SAFETY."
Official Response and Wider Industry Context
In response to the growing concerns and the petition, Belinda Trembath, COO of Whistler Blackcomb, issued a statement emphasizing the resort’s commitment to guest safety. "Our mountains welcome skiers and riders of all ages and abilities, and we are deeply committed to ensuring that every visit is enjoyable, comfortable, and safe," Trembath stated. She added, "We ask all guests to adhere to the Alpine Responsibility Code, and safety personnel reinforce this on our slopes."
However, feedback from petition signatories suggests that this reinforcement is not perceived as sufficient. Ray from Vancouver, who experienced significant bruising and muscle tears after being hit on a Whistler trail, commented, "The safety and attention to safety on Whistler Blackcomb is almost non-existent and pretty much just a free-for-all up there." He noted seeing many safety personnel in yellow jackets but had "yet to see them do anything about unsafe boarders or skiers on the mountains," suggesting their primary defense is "signage and barriers."
Grant from Summerland shared a similar harrowing experience, sustaining a torn rotator cuff requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation after being struck from behind. The injury resulted in partial disability of his right arm. Ian from Delta, a former ski patrol member with 50 years of skiing experience at Whistler, has observed a marked increase in "close calls" and injuries to friends due to speeding skiers and boarders. He asserts that Vail "should feel an obligation to take reasonable measures to reduce these obvious risks," advocating for speed limits, control measures, visible monitoring, and genuine consequences as a minimum standard.
The situation at Whistler Blackcomb is not an isolated incident within the global ski industry. Recent legal proceedings in Europe highlight a trend towards greater accountability for on-slope incidents. On May 13th, a British skier was convicted at the Albertville Criminal Court in France following a serious accident on the Tignes slopes in February 2024. The collision, which occurred on a black run, resulted in life-changing injuries for the victim, including internal bleeding and a severe head injury. This case, along with ongoing discussions about skier responsibility and resort liability, suggests a growing international focus on ensuring safer mountain environments.
Analysis and Implications
The substantial number of signatures on Dr. Williams’ petition indicates a significant disconnect between the perceived safety measures implemented by Vail Resorts and the lived experiences of many skiers and riders. The petition’s detailed proposals offer a roadmap for improvement, focusing on proactive enforcement and infrastructure adjustments rather than solely relying on individual adherence to rules.
The implications of this movement extend beyond Whistler Blackcomb. As Vail Resorts operates a vast network of ski areas globally, the success or failure of this advocacy effort could set a precedent for safety standards across the company’s portfolio. Furthermore, the increasing number of reported collisions and the gravity of resulting injuries raise questions about the economic and social costs of inadequate slope safety, including healthcare expenses, lost recreational opportunities, and potential legal liabilities for resort operators.
The stark contrast between the official statements from resort management and the personal testimonies of injured individuals underscores the urgent need for dialogue and tangible action. The coming ski season will likely be a critical period for observing whether Whistler Blackcomb and Vail Resorts heed the growing chorus of voices demanding a more robust and consistently enforced Alpine Responsibility Code, ensuring that the joy of skiing and snowboarding is not overshadowed by preventable risks.
