Better ski safety law needed
Ski areas can take steps to corral reckless skiers and snowboarders, but until Wyoming law helps hold wrongdoers more accountable, it won’t be enough to deter criminal negligence.
The death of Peter Wuerslin after a skier collision on closing day last winter at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort marked a dark moment in the valley’s rich history of skiing and snowboarding. While the coroner declared the incident a homicide owing to excessive speed, authorities said there simply wasn’t enough evidence to charge anyone with a crime.
Since this tragic incident, and in response to community outcry, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has implemented an array of responses to improve safety on the slopes. Commendably, the resort has listened to Wuerslin’s friends and other citizens who have called for action and beefed up patrols, discouraged speed and penalized violators with loss of skiing privileges.
But Wyoming lags behind its neighbors in the ski industry, Colorado and Summit County, Utah, in codifying skier responsibilities. Wyoming has a strong statute to protect ski areas from liability, but only one sentence dedicated to reckless skiing. And the penalties are relatively weak for persons who ski or snowboard recklessly — a misdemeanor punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a fine of $200, which is less than a lift ticket these days at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Colorado and Utah legislation is far more expansive in spelling out the responsibilities of skiers and mete out stiffer penalties, up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. Colorado law also specifies the duties of ski resorts more thoroughly to protect guests.
Wyoming needs to revise its law to better hold skiers and boarders accountable. In addition, the law should require resorts to report all incidents involving collision-related injuries or fatalities to law enforcement: Data is the only way to scientifically measure behavior.
Ski patrol and resort operators must coordinate with law enforcement to investigate and hold reckless skiers accountable through criminal proceedings. Losing lift access privilege simply does not go far enough.
Teton County’s three ski resorts should welcome such improved legislation and lobby for its passage, as it’s in their best interest for their guests to feel safer when navigating already intimidating terrain. Skiers and snowboarders should feel safe while recreating on public lands. They also must adhere to the code of ethics that all ski areas share and enforce.
It’s time for Wyoming to take a step further and pass stronger penalties like our neighbors wisely adopted years ago. If you agree, reach out to your senator and representative: The 68th legislative session began Tuesday.