Know Before You Go: Safety on the Slopes

Winter is here and that means one thing for the residents of Salt Lake City: it’s time to ski. With seven world-class ski resorts within an hour’s drive, the people of Salt Lake City–and the thousands of winter vacationers who flock to the skiing Mecca–have thousands of acres to explore. 

Like most things in life, however, skiing carries inherent risks. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), about 41.5 people have died on the slopes annually in the U.S and another 44.7 people are traumatically injured. While all resorts are shielded from prosecution over injury and wrongful death on the slopes, resorts have been held liable in the past in suits brought by the injured party’s lawyer. 

Safety on the Slopes: Know the Code

Collisions happen. Occasionally, such accidents are unavoidable. More often than not, however, collisions with other skiers, snowboarders, trees and rocks can be prevented. The NSAA promotes the Skier and Snowboarder Responsibility Code at all the resorts around Salt Lake City. The code advises:

1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.  

Resort Liability and Negligence

While knowing and following the code can help prevent most injuries and fatalities, there are instances on the slopes where negligence on the part of the resort can lead to serious injury and wrongful death. As any personal injury lawyer would caution, a liability waiver that is “signed” by all skiers by simply purchasing a day, week or season pass protects resorts from litigation. 

Every incident is different, however, and certain forms of negligence can cause a waiving of a resort’s liability shield. 

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or wrongful death on the slopes, contact a trusted personal injury lawyer immediately. 

Alex Kirkwood is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.