Teen snowboarder injured at Westford ski area

By Globe Staff

A 14-year-old snowboarder was injured this morning in Westford when he lost control, according to a spokesman for the Nashoba Valley Ski Area.

The boy, whose name was not released, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, said Alan Fletcher, general manager of the ski area. He said the boy was on the resort's Terrain Park when he went off a jump and "must have lost control.''

Fletcher said the boy drifted in and out of consciousness when being treated on the scene, but his condition later appeared to improve. Fletcher said the boy was fully conscious when he was transported by the Westford Fire Department to an unidentified hospital.

According to a statement issued by the fire department, the ski area made a 911 emergency call at 11 a.m. today. Firefighters and the ski area's Ski Patrol brought the boy down the slope in a sled.

While enroute to Emerson Hospital, the teenager's vital signs stabilized and he was being seen by doctors at Emerson's emergency room. The boy's name was not released.

Fletcher said the ski area recommends, but does not require, snowboarders to wear helmets.

According to its website, the Terrain Park has safety rules.