Check claim involving the pedestrian
With an unclear or prohibited crossing, we check conduct, visibility and reaction options on both sides.
Slope accidents
Pedestrian on the ski slope: liability after a collision
Collision with pedestrians, winter hikers or sled users on the piste: who may be liable, which safety duties matter and what evidence counts.
Your personal attorney
Mag. Christopher Angerer, Rechtsanwalt
Your lawyer for ski and alpine accidents
Ski and alpine accidents are complex and emotional. One lawyer you know, from the first question to the courtroom. Strong practical background (former ski instructor, mountain rescuer and dog handler).
In larger cases, the work is handled as a team (lawyer, trainee lawyer, legal assistant). Court hearings and negotiations always remain a matter for the lead lawyer.
5 July 2026 · Mag. Christopher Angerer, Rechtsanwalt
When pedestrians, winter hikers or sled users cross a ski slope, the case differs from a classic collision between two skiers. The key question is whether the area was open to pedestrians, tolerated or visibly dangerous.
For injured persons and operators, the concrete organisation on site matters most: signage, visibility, speed, barriers and the exact collision point.
Sort your case
Check the first legal direction
Three short answers show which route should be checked first.
You already know you want to send a request? Go directly to the contact form.
Who was on the slope?
The person’s role determines which duty is checked first.
All paths at a glance
Overview of all answers.
Check operator organisation
If a winter hiking route crosses the piste, signage, warnings and physical guidance matter in particular.
Clarify supervision and personal responsibility
With children, groups and sled users, age, supervision and foreseeability matter.
Why pedestrian cases require a separate review
Why pedestrian cases require a separate review
Skiers cannot automatically assume that no person will be walking on the piste. Conversely, pedestrians must realise that they are moving in a fast sports area.
Liability therefore usually does not depend on one point alone, but on visibility, marking and reaction options.
Which evidence matters after the collision
Which evidence matters after the collision
Photos of the crossing, witness data, piste map and rescue record help reconstruct the traffic flow.
Ski or shoe tracks can also show whether the crossing was sudden or foreseeable.
Distinction: This article concerns pedestrians and winter hikers on the piste. Classic skier collisions, piste crossings and toboggan runs are separate groups of cases.
Frequently asked
Questions about pedestrians on the piste
Is the faster skier always liable? +
No. Speed matters, but crossing, visibility, warnings and foreseeability also count.
Must the operator secure pedestrian routes? +
If a route crosses or runs close to the piste, clear signs and guidance may be required.
What should I secure immediately after the accident? +
Photos, witnesses, piste map, time and rescue record are especially important.
Had an accident?
The sooner we secure the evidence, the better we can enforce your claim. Call us directly or send an email, callback within one business day.
Contact
A direct line to the firm.
Address
BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte GmbH Giselakai 51 5020 Salzburg
Phone
+43 660 2407152