At a Glance
- A skier lost control on Jan. 23 and crashed into a tree on Copper Mountain’s American Flyer run.
- The deceased was transported to an urgent-care center at the base of the mountain where he was pronounced dead.
- The incident marks the fourth fatality at Colorado ski resorts this winter.
- Why it matters: The crash underscores the inherent risks of alpine sports and the importance of safety protocols.
A skier died after colliding with a tree on a Colorado mountain on Jan. 23, 2026. The accident, which occurred on the American Flyer run at Copper Mountain Resort, resulted in the skier’s death at a medical facility near the base of the mountain. It is the fourth death reported at Colorado ski resorts this winter.
The Accident
On Friday, Jan. 23, at approximately 10:45 a.m. local time, officials received a report that a skier had hit a tree on Copper Mountain. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the incident took place on the intermediate run known as American Flyer.
- The skier was visiting from out of state.
- He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
- No other individuals were involved or injured.
- Witnesses observed the collision but did not intervene.
Copper Mountain Ski Patrol arrived quickly and provided life-saving aid. The skier was then transported to an urgent-care center at the base of the mountain, where he was pronounced dead.
Response and Investigation
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office and the Summit County Coroner’s Office are conducting an investigation. The sheriff’s office stated that their role is to conduct an independent investigation so families receive clear, accurate, and timely information about what happened.
> “Our role is to conduct an independent investigation, so families have clear, accurate, and timely information about what happened,” said Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons in the news release.
> “We also investigate whether any potential criminal elements are involved in serious crashes,” FitzSimons added.
The sheriff further explained that, “fatal crashes are tragic accidents, and nothing more,” and that the investigation helps loved ones understand the circumstances of their loss. He expressed his deepest sympathy to the family and friends affected by the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and neither the sheriff’s office nor the coroner’s office has yet responded to requests for comment.
Copper Mountain Overview
Copper Mountain is a popular skiing and snowboarding destination located in Summit County, Colorado. The mountain reaches an elevation of 12,441 feet and offers a variety of runs for all skill levels. The American Flyer run, where the accident occurred, is classified as intermediate.
While the resort attracts many visitors each winter, the terrain’s difficulty and the potential for high speeds mean that accidents can happen. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety gear, such as helmets, and the need for careful control while descending.
Context of Winter Skiing Fatalities
The death on Jan. 23 is the fourth fatality at Colorado ski resorts this winter. According to a report by CBS affiliate KCNC, the state has seen several tragic incidents over the past months. Each case underscores the inherent dangers of alpine sports and the need for continued vigilance.
| Date | Location | Run | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 23, 2026 | Copper Mountain | American Flyer | Fatal |
| … | … | … | … |
While the article does not list the other three incidents, it highlights that the recent accident is part of a broader pattern of winter-season fatalities in the state.
Key Takeaways
- A skier lost control on the American Flyer run and crashed into a tree on Jan. 23, 2026.
- The skier was wearing a helmet but was pronounced dead at an urgent-care center.
- The incident is the fourth death at Colorado ski resorts this winter.
- The investigation is ongoing, with the sheriff’s office emphasizing transparency and support for affected families.
- Copper Mountain’s elevation and run difficulty contribute to the risk profile for skiers.
These facts emphasize the importance of safety precautions and the need for ongoing investigation to understand and prevent such tragedies.
