Big Lawsuit Against Montana Ski Area Could Have Ramifications

This lawsuit could create ramifications at all Montana ski areas.

Montana Ski Resorts

We have a few to enjoy during the winter.

Montana's long winters are attractive to many who love skiing and snowboarding.

There are ski resorts and areas across Montana.

Each mountain offers unique ski runs, lodges, and prices for a day pass.

Every Montana ski area has designated slopes for folks to enjoy themselves.

Many ski areas will have dangerous areas fenced off with orange fences and signs.

Why do they do this?

It's to protect the skier or snowboarder and ski hill. You don't want to be cruising through deep powder and end up in a tree well or go over a cliff.

Why are we bringing this up?

A lawsuit could have massive ramifications for every ski area in Montana.

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Lawsuit Against Montana Ski Resort

Have you heard about this?

Unofficial Networks reports the Montana Supreme Court is hearing a case about a ski resort's liability.

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A post shared by Whitefish Mountain Resort (@skiwhitefish)

The case stems from an incident that happened in 2019.

A man was at Whitefish Mountain Resort skiing down to his car to get his phone when his skies caught an edge, leading him to fall off a cliff and break his pelvis.

The man broke his pelvis and sued the resort.

This ski trail usually has a fabric fence to protect skiers from going over the cliff, and the man believes the barrier would have protected him.

The ski resort has another opinion. The resort says the fence was there, but it's not intended to stop someone from going over the cliff.

Why is this case crucial?

Our state has a Skier Responsibility Act, which states any skier or snowboarder accepts all responsibility for injury or damage to them or the area.

Essentially, if you get hurt, you can't sue the mountain.

If the man is successful, many ski areas in Montana could go bankrupt or shut down to pay for increased insurance premiums.

On one hand, we feel for the guy's pain and suffering, but being aware of your surroundings on a ski hill is up to you.

If you decide to go down a trail near a cliff, that is your fault.

What do you think?

Let us know.