HF1865 - Minnesota Ski Safety Act Summary

• Establishes Minnesota Statutes Chapter 184C, creating the "Minnesota Ski Safety Act" to define skier rights, responsibilities, and ski area operator liability standards.

• Requires ski areas to post warning signs (at least 6 sq ft) at ticket sales buildings and on all tickets/passes disclosing assumption of risks, skier responsibilities, 2-year statute of limitations for claims, and 180-day notice requirement for intent to sue.

• Mandates ski areas maintain trail maps with difficulty designations (green circle/easiest, blue square/difficult, black diamond/most difficult, double diamond/expert, orange oval/freestyle), post signs at trail beginnings, barricade freestyle terrain with max 30-foot entrance, and inspect ski lifts annually using qualified inspectors per ANSI Ski Lift Code B77.1-2011.

• Requires ski area vehicles on open trails to have flashing lights and red/orange flags (40+ sq inches, 5+ feet high) for identification; protects operators from liability for collisions with properly equipped vehicles not on designated trails or when trails are closed.

• Limits ski area operator liability for injuries or death resulting from inherent skiing conditions and risks if operator substantially complies with chapter requirements; exempts operators from common carrier status but holds them liable for ski lift accidents caused by ANSI code violations or negligence.