Ski Lift Cases

Relatively few injuries are a consequence of faulty or poorly maintained ski lifts. Ski lifts, in the main, are relatively simple devices with established technology and a high degree of safety. However, given the large number of skiers annually using these lifts it is not surprising that after significant and repetitive cycles, design defects may catch up with the technology. Colorado law provides that ski area operators are obliged to operate their lifts in accord with the highest degree of care commensurate with the safety of the passengers. The issues of liability in ski lift cases, when the injury occurs after loading and before unloading, generally concern who is responsible—the ski area operator for poor maintenance or an engineering, design or manufacturing firm for a defect.

Over 90% of all lift cases arise while the skier is either loading or unloading and are a consequence of either Skier error or improper operation rather than a design defect. The liability question is generally settled after the balancing the operator's duty to exercise the highest degree of care against the skier/ passenger duty to pay attention, have the requisite skills to board the lift, and to heed all posted information and instructions. Unloading accidents can be the result of an operator's negligence caused by an inadequate ramp and snow maintenance and/or the failure to stop the lift to allow known inexperienced skiers to exit safely.

Case Reports of Ski Lift Accidents

Chalat Hatten has handled numerous ski lift accident cases. Ski lifts obviously are operated by the ski area resorts, thus the ski area operators are the defendant in most of these cases. As part of the settlement agreement reached on behalf of our clients, the ski area operator always insists upon a confidentiality clause preventing publication of the details of the given case. We regret that we are unable to present case reports of the ski lift cases we have handled, but would welcome an opportunity to discuss ski lift accidents with you - please call 1-800-221-5526.

Amicus Ski Cases

• Bayer v. Crested Butte

  Colorado Supreme Court holds that ski area operator owes highest duty of care in the operation of its lifts.