2025 FES Agenda

8:00-8:30 a.m.: Registration Open and Continental Breakfast

8:30-12:00 p.m.: Educational Sessions

NSAA’s 10-Year Injury Study Results—A Deep Focus on Collisions

NSAA is releasing the latest data from its recent injury study conducted by NSAA every ten years—and the injury trends are very encouraging and validating of our collective safety efforts. But collisions remain the leading cause of fatal and catastrophic injuries in the sport. While collisions with man-made or natural objects are typically inherent risks in the sport, the issue remains polarizing for our guests, and growing legal exposures, especially from skier-skier collisions. One of the key reasons our injury rates are trending downward is from the efforts of ski areas to warn and inform our guests, and sharing best practices to mitigate reckless skiing. We will be joined by Chauncy Johnson and the Snow Angel Foundation—the leader in combatting reckless skiing—to discuss his insights on de-escalation techniques and best practices to mitigate risks from collisions.

Do you have a contract for that?

Contracts are one of the most protective tools ski areas have in their risk management toolbox, but ski areas of all sizes continue to miss the mark with contracts. From lift purchases to construction projects, as well as third-party vendors and special events, we want to de-mystify the “legalese” of contracts with a focus on the key mechanics of agreements, so that ski areas can shift risk exposure through contracts. We will spend time on key provisions of contracts, including indemnity, insurance, venue, safety requirements, and releases of liability. Our panel will include insurance professionals and attorneys from ASDA (the Association of Ski Defense Attorneys) to help break down the construction of contracts and insurance requirements contained in them, and the exposures we face when we fail to capture contracts across our operations.

12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch (included)

1:00-4:30 p.m.: Educational Sessions

An Analysis of Local and Regional Claims, with a Focus on Lifts

The current litigation climate is rapidly evolving—and not for the better—with more aggressive lawsuits and unprecedented claims, particularly involving lifts. Analyzing local and regional claims provide insights into what ski areas can do better to mitigate claims, and operational practices that maximize your legal defenses. We’ll have updates from some of the closely watched claims and trials from around the U.S., including a recent ruling about padding and collisions. Our ASDA counsel will share their insights on the evolving litigation landscape, and the tools they need from ski areas to protect the industry. NSAA will also be releasing a recent analysis of falls from lifts over the past ten seasons, and discussing efforts to improve unseated passenger incidents, with a particular focus on changing the culture of restraint bar use.

The Overlooked Exposures in Resort Operations and Alcohol

From F&B operations to parking lots and lifts, the risk exposures from alcohol—whether served or personal use—are a troubling trend in the ski industry, with some recent enormous settlements. Has the industry become complacent in assessing the risks of alcohol—as well as marijuana—especially since ski safety statutes and releases of liability provide fewer protections when alcohol is involved? As a result, we will explore local Dram shop laws, and the best risk management tools to mitigate incidents. We want your ski area to share your best practices, including TIPS training, enhanced security, video surveillance, signage, and strategic ski patrol policies.