What are skiers liable for?
With ski season just around the corner, ski accident attorney Cory Whalen, takes a look at collisions on the slopes and what skiers and snowboarders can be held liable for.
No matter how good you are at skiing or snowboarding, collisions happen. Overcrowding and overselling the mountain is commonplace at many resorts. You probably know someone who has been involved in a collision with another skier or snowboarder. While many believe the rules follow the popular term “ski at your own risk,” many skiers and snowboarders don’t know exactly what that means.
People are under the belief that they don’t have any liability while on the slopes. That’s certainly not the case. While a ski resort may have some immunity from civil claims when skiers and snowboarders assume the risk of dangers that come with simply participating in the sport, such immunity doesn’t extend to the individual skier or snowboarder who has a legal duty to conduct themselves responsibly and safely.
Here are some things you should know if you've been involved in a skiing or snowboarding collision:
1. Take a picture of the other skier/snowboarder and obtain the person's name.
2. Immediately contact ski patrol as they are the only ones investigating your accident.
3. Request that an accident report be made and filed with the resort.
Have a safe and fun ski and snowboarding season.
Contact Cory P. Whalen for a free case evaluation.
