season of craziness?

[ski_resort_observer]

Lots crazy things happened on the slopes this past season, especially out west where dangers both off-piste and on-piste I think in general are at a higher level than here in the east. People do get killed or seriously injured in the east too. I think some of the incidents could have been avoided, others not so much.
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090504/NEWS01/905040305/1002/NEWS01

In addition to the article linked, this past season an avalanche hit one of the mountain lodges at JH, trapping like 9 patrollers for a few hours. Luckily no one was seriously hurt but they could have just as easily been killed. When it was built a few years ago the resort was aware it was in an avalanche path but I guess they can't control them all. Many of the patrollers at JH are 20+ veterans. They are good with bombs and big guns.

Are things getting more dangerous out there or is this just a traditional cycle upswing, nothing unusual here? Is it the result of more people getting out there? Has risk-taking increased?

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Due to better equipment..skiers and riders are tackling more difficult terrain..alot of resorts are opening up their boundarys which adds more to the danger..as for the J-Hole headwall avalanche..if it would have occured an hour or two later..it could have buried 100+ people and killed perhaps a few dozen..but on average..only about 50-60 skiers/riders die each season on the slopes out of 55+ million skier visits so it's not that bad..resorts out west will always deal with Avalanches and until Helmet rules are enforced..more cases like Richardson may occur..