What Is the Duty of Care for Individual Skiers in Colorado?

A day of skiing on your favorite slopes can be exhilarating. However, as a skier in Colorado, it is your responsibility to enjoy your day while also ensuring yourself and those around you are unharmed by your actions. Like many ski destinations, Colorado has a set of laws and guidelines you must follow that are known as your duty of care. 

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand the complexities of Colorado’s skiing laws and how they impact those injured on the slopes. With decades of experience in personal injury cases, we’re dedicated to ensuring victims of skiing accidents receive the attention and guidance they need. Our approach focuses on compassionate client care and a thorough investigation of each incident’s circumstances. 

What Is Colorado’s Duty of Care for Individual Skiers?

As of 2022, Colorado’s Ski Safety Act has been updated to include two new rules, making a list of 10 key points all skiers must follow to meet their duty of care while on the slopes. In general terms, duty of care refers to the principle that you must act in a manner that ensures the safety of yourself and those around you. 

While the rules and regulations in the Ski Safety Act are meant as a guideline for skiers to follow, there can be legal consequences if an accident results from your failure to follow them. These guidelines are known as the “Your Responsibility Code” and include the following:

• You are responsible for keeping control of yourself. You should be able to stop and change direction to avoid other skiers. 
• You must avoid those in front of you, as they have the right of way.
• Do not stop until it is safe to do so.
• Check to ensure the path is clear and no one is coming from above before resuming your path downhill.
• You must always control your equipment to prevent objects from hitting other skiers or creating hazards on the trail.
• Follow all signs, hazards, and posted instructions.
• Stay out of closed areas and trails.
• Use all ski lifts properly. Load, ride, and unload following all operator instructions.  
• Skiing while impaired is illegal, and a skier should not use the ski slopes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• If a collision occurs, both skiers should exchange contact information and report the accident to an employee of the ski resort or ski patrol. 

If you have been injured in a ski accident because the other party did not follow these regulations, it is vital you contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Penalties for Failing to Uphold Your Duty of Care While Skiing?

If you are found responsible for breaking one of these rules, you can face a fine of up to $1,000, as well as other criminal or civil charges based on the outcome of your actions.

For example, in a 2023 Colorado court case, a snowboarder was found guilty of failing to uphold their duty of care after they left the scene of an accident with another skier that resulted in the death of the skier. Because the snowboarder failed to follow the regulation that you must report and provide contact information to a ski resort employee or ski patrol after a collision, he was found liable and had to pay a $500 fine as well as serve 40 hours of community service.  

While these rules and regulations have been put in place to minimize injuries on the slopes, there are still cases where accidents can happen. Mintz Law Firm can be a valuable asset if you’ve been involved in a ski collision to help guide you through your personal injury claim.

How Can Mintz Law Firm Help if You’ve Been Injured Due to Another Skier’s Negligence? 

If you’ve suffered injuries because another skier failed to follow Colorado’s duty of care, you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone. We are here to help you seek fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages that may have occurred. Our team will gather critical evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

We take pride in treating our clients with compassion and respect, guiding them through each step of the legal process. With our focus on transparency and communication, you can expect consistent updates and a thorough explanation of your options. If you’re ready to discuss your case, call us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form.