What Out-of-State Epic Pass / IKON Pass Skiers Need to Know After an Accident In Utah

Dedicated skiers understand the advantages of holding multi-resort seasonal passes such as the IKON Pass or Epic Pass for their favorite destinations. These passes can save a substantial amount on lift tickets and other ski-related expenses, but when visiting Utah’s iconic slopes, there are several things that a passholder should know.

First, Utah Code 78B-4-401 states the following:

“Certain risks are inherent in the sport of skiing; … as a matter of public policy, an individual engaged in the sport of skiing may not recover from a ski operator for injuries resulting from the risks that are inherent in the sport of skiing.”

Contact a ski accident attorney in Salt Lake City today to pursue the compensation you deserve — call (385) 404-6398.

Understanding “Inherent Risk” In Utah Ski Resorts

Skiing at high speeds down steep mountain slopes poses safety risks intrinsic to the sport. For this reason, a skier visiting Utah’s ski resorts cannot hold the owners of resorts like Park City or Deer Valley liable for typical ski injuries; however, if the injury occurred due to a cause that’s not inherent to skiing, they may still recover their losses; for instance, under the following circumstances:

• If the injury occurred due to the property owner’s negligence, such as leaving dangerous maintenance equipment in the ski path
• Unmarked fences
• Exposed cables
• Negligent trail maintenance resulting in extreme hazards
• Renting out poorly maintained equipment
• Negligent lift operation
• Employee negligence
• Unmarked hazards
• Failure to place signs or block off closed trails

If defective ski equipment or a faulty ski lift causes an injury due to a design defect, manufacturing mistake, or marketing error, you could recover compensation through a defective product claim against the manufacturer, who is held to strict liability standards. Under strict liability, you don’t have to prove negligence — a Salt Lake City injury attorney understands these laws and can help you fight for your rights.

Skier Responsibility In Utah

Utah follows the Skiers’ Responsibility Code. Ski resorts in Utah require skiers to ski within their abilities. The Code requires a skier to do the following:

• Avoid slopes that are beyond their skill level. Uphill skiers on Utah slopes must yield to those lower on the slopes, and trail skiers must yield to those ahead of them, even when moving at a higher speed.
• Remain in control and able to stop suddenly when necessary to avoid a collision with people or obstacles
• When stopping on a slope, only stop in places where you are clearly visible and avoidable
• When entering a trail or slope, look uphill first and avoid entering the trail in the path of a skier
• Secure all equipment to prevent runaway ski equipment
• Obey all warning signs and stay off closed trails
• Avoid skiing while impaired
• Avoid skiing when tired. The majority of ski accidents in Utah occur after midday, in the late afternoon, after a full day of skiing.

If a skier causes an accident on a Utah slope due to their failure to adhere to the above responsibilities, they are liable for the injury victims’ damages if they cause an accident with injuries. Utah’s inherent risk rule for skiers does not prevent filing lawsuits against negligent skiers who cause an injury that’s not part of the inherent risk of the sport.

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