An 18-year-old high school senior died yesterday in a skiing accident at Windham Mountain in the Catskills. According to state police, Erin Claire Malloy-McArdle lost "control while skiing and left the trail at a high speed into a wooded area where she struck a tree. She had not been wearing a helmet and sustained extensive head injuries as a result of hitting the tree."

State police characterized the teen as a novice skier, but the resort's general manager Tim Woods told Newsday her skill level was difficult to assess. Malloy-McArdle was on the Upper Warpath, which is rated "more difficult" on the trail map (PDF). Woods said that skiers ultimately decide what slopes they are able to ski, "It's ultimately at the skier's discretion, but the cornerstone of the responsibility code is to ski within your ability." He also said, "We are shaken to our core. I can't imagine what her parents are going through right now. I have four kids, and I can't imagine what these parents are going through."

Patch says the snow conditions were "packed powder/powder and machine groomed." NY State does not require skiers to wear helmets, but the resort has helmets for rental. One skier told a local Fox affiliate, "I've been skiing here many years, approximately 10 years. Beginners, I highly advise sticking to the slopes you are supposed to stick to. Don’t ski outside your capabilities."