Ski Resort Risk Management

I went skiing over spring break and when I was on the Ski lift, I kept looking up at the thin cable holding over a hundred people, so I started thinking about what could go wrong and what risk management techniques ski resorts have in place. I found an interesting article written by a lawyer and he discusses several risk management steps that a ski resort can take with ski lift operations so that they can have a better chance of winning cases if they get sued.

The simplest step that a ski resort can do is post up clear signs that warns skiers of the potential injuries or death that can occur when they go skiing. Ski resorts should also make guests sign clear waiver that also states the risk that is involved in skiing. This is the most effective and important factor that can protect ski resorts in legal cases. Additional signs that provide instructions to skiers around the ski lift is also necessary. Other signs on the ski slope, like "slow" signs will also reduce the risks of accidents.

Another important risk management technique is the proper training of the ski lift operators. If ski lift operators can give proper instructions to skiers, they can reduce incidents caused by a lack of employee training. In addition ski resorts should also place visible fences on the edges of the trails and also pads on the ski lift towers.

Lastly, ski resorts should keep good records of all accidents that take place. This includes records like photography, witness accounts and employees that worked at the time of the accident. If a ski resort is being investigated in a legal case, it has the best chance of defending itself if they have all the evidence of the risk management techniques that they have in place.

www.halleland.com/pdf/RiskMgmt_SkiLift.pdf