Contact:
Lisa Yates (916) 552-2650 or Cell: (916) 215-9550
1/17/2008
California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization
Pledges its Support of National Safety Awareness Week
The California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization (CSSSO)—in its ongoing effort to protect the well-being of outdoor enthusiasts—hopes skiers and snowboarders will be even more aware of their surroundings and take additional precautions during the 2008 National Safety Awareness Week: January 19 to 25.
Dan Gregorie, the founder of the CSSSO, who lost his daughter when she slipped on unmarked icy terrain and fell to her death at Alpine Meadows in 2006, issued this statement:
“The CSSSO was formed specifically to educate individuals and families on ski and snowboard safety risks as well as to work with California ski resorts to provide the safest possible environment and experience. The CSSSO serves as an independent, factual public resource on the safety of California ski resorts, and mountain visitors are encouraged to be our eyes and ears by reporting to us any safety concerns that they become aware of and feel should be addressed.”
Dr. Gregorie said the organization seeks to work collaboratively with the California ski industry to establish best-practice safety standards, policies and procedures to be uniformly applied across the state in an ongoing effort to significantly reduce the number of preventable ski and snowboard deaths and serious injuries. He notes all resort patrons need be aware the state’s ski industry is very well protected against liability through a common-law doctrine of “assumed risk” and accepts no responsibility for their safety. Also, visitors should not assume all hazards are marked or unnoticeable dangers are identified.”
The public is encouraged to visit CSSSO at www.calskisafety.org.
