Skier - Snowboarder Liability

Here in Colorado, we are very fortunate to have the best mountains, snow and winter recreation in the world.  Whether you are a skier or a snowboarder, it is important to know the law and understand your rights and responsibilities while on the mountain.  Whether you are the victim in an accident or accused of being responsible for an accident, contact Laszlo Law for a free consultation.

Recently, our attorneys successfully defended a snowboarder who collided with another snowboarder who was sitting in an area where she was not visible to downhill traffic.  In this case, the injured snowboarder was not aware of her obligation to rest in a visible area on a ski run away from moving traffic.  She could have prevented her injuries had she known and followed the law.
 
KNOW THE LAW:
 
The Colorado Ski Safety Act establishes safety standards for the operation of ski areas and for the skiers using them.  The Act includes both Civil and Criminal aspects.  It is very important that you understand how the Colorado Ski Safety Act applies to you.
 
CIVIL

• “The risk of a skier/skier collision is neither an inherent risk not a risk assumed by a skier in an action by one skier against another.”

CRIMINAL
A skier can face serious criminal consequences if they:

• Skied on a slope of trail that have been posted as “Closed”;

• Boarded a ski lift or used a ski slope while “impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any controlled substance…”
• Left the vicinity of a collision in which an injury results before giving their name and current address to an employee of the ski area;
• Knowingly entering public or private lands from an adjoining ski area when such land has been posted as “closed” by its owner.

 
SKI SAFELY:

• Always check the snow report; http://www.skireport.com/colorado
• Always check the Avalanche Danger Report  |  http://www.fsavalanche.org

 
Wear a Helmet
 
Do you have a question?  contact us