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Ski Safety and Medical Experts, Victims of Snow Sport Tragedies Speak Out

Powerful Assembly Judiciary Committee to Hear their Concerns Today at Capitol Hearing

As the 2008-2009 California ski season opens, safety practices at California ski resorts are being called into question by a diverse and powerful group of ski and snowboard safety advocates; some of whom have been touched by tragedy. Crowded ski slopes, new ski technologies and limited traffic management contribute to unsafe conditions, while some skiers and snowboarders travel as fast as cars. If highway safety is a priority, they wonder how many deaths and injuries must occur before uniform safety measures are implemented to prevent further tragedy on the slopes.

WHY:

The basic tenet of ski law is that injuries and death are just an "inherent risk of the sport," shielding ski resorts from liability associated with ski and snowboard deaths and injuries regardless of fault. As a result, there is no accountability and no accurate or reliable data to objectively guide the public, as well as policymakers, on snow sport risks.

WHERE:

California State Capitol, Room 437

WHEN:

Wednesday, November 12

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHO:

Dr. Dan Gregorie, Founder, California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization (father of 24-year-old Jessica Gregorie who lost her life in a fall at Alpine Meadows)

Julia Kozberg, sister died from falling into an unprotected tree well at Heavenly

Matt Calvert, paralyzed in ski accident at Alpine Meadows

Dr. Matthew Foley, American College of Emergency Physicians, SEMA Emergency Medicine staff physician

Cathy Barankin, California Coalition for Children's Safety and Health

Melissa Hyland, parent advocate for ski and snowboard safety

Dick Penniman, snow sport safety expert

California State Assembly Judiciary Committee

Assemblymember Dave Jones, Chair

Assemblymember Van Tran, Vice Chair