2/6/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Ski & Snowboarding.
Hail all park rats, freestylers, and slalomers wishing for fresh powder on a bluebird day. Hail all jumpers, mountaineers, border crossers, and Nordic skiers dialing in their gear for a day on the snow. No matter the style, all riders have a true love for snow sports. Whatever gets you out there - the scenery, the endorphins, or the community—strap in your bindings and hit the slopes. When we protect skiers and snowboarders, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Ski & Snowboarding Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Ski & Snowboarding has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Skiing and snowboarding are extreme sports and have a high risk and rate of injuries. Injured athletes may be especially vulnerable to abuse or exploitation when dependent on those in power to make treatment and return-to-sport decisions. Inadequate injury prevention and treatment protocols may be signs of neglect in the sporting environment.
- In skiing and snowboarding, there is often pressure to increase the extremity of skills, such as more difficult courses and tricks, which may place athletes at risk of injury or even death, especially if they do not understand all of the risks. Minor athletes in particular may not be able to fully understand and consent to risk and danger.
- Ski and snowboard athletes may place a high level of trust in their coaches. This can lead to psychological dependence, blurred boundaries, and/or grooming in the coach-athlete relationship.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
9/8/2025
Ski coach watches female athletes showering and harasses them
7/24/2025
French ski coach faces sexual assault complaint involving a minor and new accusations
7/6/2025
Olympic Vice Champion Accused of Sexual Harassment of Minors
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Ski & Snowboarding Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Environmental Safety within Ski & Snowboarding.
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Intro to Avalanche Safety
Environmental Safety
Gain an understanding of avalanche safety and protocol.
Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite
Physical Safety
Learn about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of frostbite.
Ski and snowboard safety: Helmet guide
Physical Safety
Learn about the importance of helmet safety and head injury prevention.
Tree Well & Deep Snow Safety
Environmental Safety
Understand the risks of tree wells and deep snow.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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