CORNWALL, Conn. (WTNH) — A 12-year-old girl is recovering after she was hurt while skiing at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall. A LIFESTAR helicopter brought her to Hartford Hospital. Ski area staff say she was one of two skiers who fell and got hurt on Saturday.
The ski area is trying to make sure everyone stays safe while skiing. The ski season is now underway, despite a later start.
“Yesterday I believe was a first day for a lot of skiers and riders,” said Ski Patroller Melinda Mingus.
Even if you are careful out on the slopes, injuries can still happen. The ski patrollers, who keep an eye on the slopes, helped the two girls who were hurt.
Related: 12-year-old girl in serious condition after skiing accident
“I was here,” said Mingus. “We took care of them very promptly after recognizing that there was a head injury…(the 12-year-old) actually was fine.”
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area gets thousands of skiers on a day like Sunday. Many of them have skied before, but some are beginners. Staff want to make sure they know what they’re doing.
“I would say the best thing you can do is take a lesson,” said David Yeagle, Director of Snow Sports. “That’s what we do here – we teach. The more you know about skiing and the better you are at skiing, the safer you’re going to be doing it.”
Parents skiing with their kids brought jackets and gloves, though it was a warm day. They also had helmets and goggles. They made sure their kids skied with a buddy and felt comfortable on the slopes.
They also had advice for them and for other skiers.
Related: 12-year-old airlifted to Hartford Hospital after skiing accident
“Staying within your ability is probably the most important thing,” said Eric Schreiber, a parent and assistant scout master. “Don’t go up to the top of the mountain if you’ve never been here before.”
The accidents happened almost two years to the day after a 14-year-old boy fell twenty feet from a ski lift at Mohawk Mountain. Officials said he did not have the bar down. He was with his high school ski team at the time and he has since recovered from his injuries.
Ski instructors recommend following a responsibility code while skiing:
-Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects
-People ahead of you have the right of way. It’s your responsibility to avoid them
-You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above
-Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail look uphill and yield to others
-Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment
-Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas
-Prior to using any lift you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely
