Tree well dangers

In 1999, I nearly lost my life due to a

traumatic brain injury at Whitefish Mountain Resort (then Big

Mountain). As a 15-year old snowboarder, I believed that nothing

tragic would ever happen to me. Yet, as my story and the

heartbreaking recent stories of snow deaths in Montana prove, these

events happen.

Please protect yourself as much as

possible from the dangers of winter recreational activities. Wear a

helmet. Always ski or snowboard with a friend. Do not think that

being risky is being cool.

To all parents reading this: Force your

child to wear a helmet and encourage them to be safe on the slopes.

They will one day thank you for protecting them from the

devastating consequences of a winter sport accident.

Julia Hammerquist

Missoula