The video above was captured by the victim's GoPro camera during the accident.
Resort Negligence Makes Night Skiing Dangerous
Davis Law Group has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court (18-2-26466-9 SEA) against Stevens Pass Mountain Report on behalf of a man who was seriously injured when the resort failed to properly mark a hazard. See photos or read the court filing.
On Feb. 10, 2018, the victim was night skiing at Stevens Pass Washington Ski Resort in Skykomish, Washington. At about 5:30 p.m., as he approached a chair lift area, he hit a rope strung across a ski pathway. See video at the bottom of this page.
The thin rope was impossible for skiers to see under low-light, night skiing conditions. There were no warning signs or markers placed around the rope to warn skiers of the hazard. In the past, there had been more than 30 accidents in the same location.
The rope had no flags attached to it; no warning sign near it; and no cones or fencing to prevent guests from entering the area. Stevens Pass failed to properly mark the roped path; failed to adequately light the rope and path; and failed to warn skiers of the rope strung across the path. See photos at the bottom of this page.
The victim suffered serious injuries, including a left clavicle fracture which required surgery to treat the injury using plates and screws. He required months of physical therapy, and additional surgeries may still be required in the future.
The victim was severely injured, suffered, and continues to suffer, physical disability and pain, emotional trauma, medical expenses, loss of earnings and other damages. The incident was not in any way caused by any carelessness or negligence by the victim.
Orange ski fence is a cost effective, clearly visible barrier for marking safety concerns. Many ski resorts frequently use orange ski fencing to warn skiers of obstacles or safety concerns. Orange ski fencing was not used in this case.
The ski area was owned and operated by Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, LLC. It has since been acquired by Vail Resorts, Inc.
.jpg)
Above: Daytime photo of accident area 4 days after the accident. Skiers using the same trail to reach ski lift--no line blocking the path. Click on image to see larger version.
Photo Credit: Davis Law Group.
.jpg)
Above: Daytime photo of accident area 10 months after the accident. Skiers using the same trail to reach ski lift--no line blocking the path. Click on image to see larger version.
Photo Credit: Davis Law Group
Stevens Pass Injury Lawsuit
Court: King County Superior Court
Docket: 18-2-26466-9 SEA
Trial Date: 10/21/2019
DLG Case: 201985
Ski resort operators must take safety into consideration before placing any artificial obstacle within their boundaries and ensure that these obstacles are clearly visible and properly marked. Why have the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and its members not adopted a Ski Resort Slope and Trial Safety Responsibility Code?
Call For Witnesses
The accident happened on the Promenade run (green run) just beneath Kehr’s Chair approaching the base area. Anyone who has ever experienced similar incidents in the area is encouraged to contact Davis Law Group by calling (206) 727-4000.