Concerns expressed over resort congestion and potential safety concerns resulting from overcrowding at Vail Mountain

A recent report published by the Vail Homeowners Association expresses concern over resort congestion and potential safety concerns resulting from overcrowding at Vail Mountain. While Vail Resorts declines to release specific information regarding its capacity and actual visitors per day, according to the report, it appears that the number of guests has been near capacity or over-capacity on some of the mountain’s busiest days during the 2015-2016 season. In fact, the Vail Homeowner’s Association report further indicates that the mountain may have been operating at approximately 26,000 guests on one of its busiest days this past January, which is significantly higher than the mountain’s estimated capacity of 19,900.

While this increase in guests is certainly good for the resort’s bottom line, excessive congestion on the mountain could lead to serious safety issues. As the Vail Homeowner’s Association notes, Vail Resorts has not adopted a zero-tolerance policy for dangerous skiers and riders, and has not taken significant steps to monitor high-danger areas. As the number of guests on the mountain increases, so to do the chances of skier collisions and injuries. Because resorts can rarely be held liable for collisions between their guests, there is no incentive under the law for the mountain to police dangerous skiers and snow riders, or to manage over-crowding on its runs, leaving guests susceptible to higher risk of collisions and injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a ski or snowboarding accident, contact Bloch and Chapleau right away to protect your rights. Our experienced attorneys have successfully litigated numerous ski injury claims, and have obtained favorable outcomes for our clients in an array of ski injury cases. Call us today at 970-926-1700 for a free consultation.