Snowboarder Sentenced to Jail for Hit-and-Run Incident on Aspen Mountain

A snowboarder has been sentenced to 45 days in jail after a hit-and-run incident involving a skier on Aspen Mountain in February 2024. The case concluded two years after the collision, which left the skier, Anne Cassidy, with multiple serious injuries.

The incident occurred shortly after Cassidy exited the Gent’s Ridge lift when she was struck from behind by Eric Banushi, the snowboarder. Following the collision, Banushi failed to stop and continued down the mountain, despite being pursued by Cassidy's friend. Cassidy sustained significant injuries, including torn ligaments and a shoulder injury, which have hindered her ability to participate in sports.

Using various forms of evidence, including surveillance footage and ticket records, Cassidy's attorney identified Banushi, leading to criminal charges against him for reckless endangerment and other offenses. Banushi was convicted on all counts, marking a rare instance of a criminal conviction in a ski collision case, particularly due to his failure to exchange information as required by the Colorado Ski Safety Act.