I know it’s July but you know me…always thinking about snowboarding.  I write blogs every week and decided to focus on ski resort accidents.

Ski Resort Accidents

Last year, this author broke five ribs in a collision with a tree. Ouch!

Living in Oregon affords us many wonderful outdoor recreational activities.  There are several ski resorts located in Oregon for us to use and enjoy. Unfortunately, skiing and snowboarding is not without risks and dangers and it is not uncommon for one to get hurt at a ski resort.  Last year, this author broke five ribs in a collision with a tree. Ouch!

Every year I get calls from people injured at ski resorts.  Sometimes, the person caused his or her own injuries, as was my case.  Sometimes, other skiers or snowboarders cause the injury.  Other times, the injury is the result of the ski resort.  In the next few weeks I will be posting blogs regarding useful information one should know regarding ski resort liability.

Personal Injury and Notice to the Ski Resort:

A skier injured at a ski resort must notify the ski area operator of the injury by registered or certified mail within 180 days after the injury, or within 180 days after the skier/snowboarder discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury.  ORS 30.980(1).

Wrongful Death at a Ski Resort:

If the injury results in the skier/snowboarder’s death, the personal representative, or any person who may under ORS 30.020 maintain an action for the wrongful death of the skier/snowboarder, must notify the ski area operator within 180 days after the date of death.  Notice of the death is not necessary if the skier/snowboarder notified the ski area operator of the injury within 180 days after the injury.  ORS 30.980(2).

Failure to notify the ski resort within the time designated by Oregon law bars a claim for injury or wrongful death.  However, there are a few exceptions. I will cover these in next week’s blog on ski resort, ski and snowboard accidents.