EAST BURKE — A 27-year-old St. Johnsbury woman has died in a skiing accident at Q Burke Mountain on Friday. The accident took place at around 3:15 p.m.
Police say that the initial investigation indicates the woman exited the groomed portion of a trail on the upper portion of the mountain, where she struck a tree.
A search was initiated when the woman did not meet up with the individual she was skiing with. Q Burke Mountain Ski Patrol was notified at the time, and began searching the trail.
At approximately 5:24 p.m., the search and rescue team was able to locate the woman.
According to a statement issued by police, she was wearing a helmet. An autopsy will be performed at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington.
The victim’s name is not being released, pending notification of the family.
As in this tragic incident, ski helmets are not that protective. They are only rated for impacts of 10 mph or less. Ski helmets are good for keeping your head warm and terrain parks. Other than that, they are not worth anything and are providing the public with a false sense of security. I have never seen so many head injuries in my life since many people started wearing them. I am a proponent of helmet use, bit DO NOT fall into the invisible mentality and think these helmets are really going to protect you. Good luck and happy trails.