Injured Skiers Rely on Airlifts for Help and Safety

Helicopter rescues are a common sight at ski races, as seen with Lindsey Vonn's recent injury.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The sound of helicopter blades can be one of the most dreaded in ski racing, as injured athletes often require airlifts to receive medical attention. This was the case for American skier Lindsey Vonn, who was recently airlifted off the slopes after sustaining an injury during a race in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Why it matters

Ski racing is an inherently dangerous sport, and the ability to quickly transport injured athletes to medical facilities is crucial for their safety and recovery. Helicopter evacuations have become a common sight at major ski events, highlighting the risks involved and the importance of having robust emergency response protocols in place.

The details

When an athlete is seriously injured during a ski race, the race organizers must act quickly to provide medical assistance and transport the skier to a hospital. This often involves calling in a helicopter to airlift the injured athlete, as the remote locations of many ski courses can make ground transportation difficult and time-consuming.

  • On February 10, 2026, American skier Lindsey Vonn was airlifted off the slopes after sustaining an injury during a race in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A former American Olympic skier who has won numerous World Cup races and medals.

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What they’re saying

“The sound of the helicopter blades is one of the most dreaded sounds in ski racing, as it usually means a serious injury has occurred.”

— Andrew Dampf, Author (nhregister.com)

What’s next

Race organizers will continue to review and improve their emergency response protocols to ensure the safety of all athletes competing in ski events.

The takeaway

Ski racing is an inherently dangerous sport, and the ability to quickly transport injured athletes to medical facilities is crucial for their safety and recovery. Helicopter evacuations have become a common sight at major ski events, highlighting the risks involved and the importance of having robust emergency response protocols in place.