Ski Law Articles by attorneys at Chalat Hatten & Koupal
These articles present a wide array of material on ski safety and ski accidents. They are provided as a reference and may be copyrighted by their respective authors.
Ski Helmet Standards and Use
New ASTM standards for ski helmets and why it matters
Ski Law in Colorado: the Timorous No Longer Stay at Home
by James H. Shalat, Chris Koupal, Eric SamlerThis article provides a current overview of Colorado ski law as it pertains to legal economics, legislation, and ski accident case law. It also compares ski law in other states and offers the Colorado lawyer some practice tips.
Ski Law for Beginners, Intermediate and Experts
by Linda and Jim ChalatSkier/snowboarder safety has become a significant issue for the ski industry. Its significance is derived from two forces: the competition for the national skiing market, and national attention drawn to ski safety by the media frenzy stimulated by celebrity skier deaths in 1999, and recent homicide proceedings in Colorado.
Restitution and Ski Accidents
by James H. ChalatAfter skiing very fast and out of control over a mogul field, Nathan Hall flew over a knoll on the "Riva Ridge" ski run on Vail mountain and collided with Allen Cobb. Mr. Cobb suffered a fractured skull and fatal brain injury.
Liability Of a Skier For Collision With Another Skier
by James H. ChalatSkiing safety has improved over time, with the improvement of alpine release bindings, heightened awareness of safety rules, and improved safety procedures at ski areas which were prompted by risk management concern over injury claims.
Ski Area's Liability For Skiing Accidents
by James H. ChalatThis article treats two types of ski accident cases: (1) the downhill skiing accident which leads to a claim against the ski area operator; (2) the ski lift related accidents which lead to claims against the ski area operator and the lift manufacturer.
Waivers - Or, Please Release me, let me go...
by James H. ChalatReleases, waivers and exculpatory agreements are hot issues in ski accident cases. Currently, ski area operators use any opportunity to obtain skier signatures under language pruporting to release the ski area from any negligence, including from violating statutory safety mandates.
