Vail Resort Facts
Summit Elevation
11,570 ft
Skiable Acres
5,317
Trails
195
Location
Vail, Eagle County
Operator
Vail Resorts
Annual Visitors
1.7M
Colorado Ski Safety Act Analysis
Under the Colorado Ski Safety Act (C.R.S. 33-44-101 et seq.), Vail Resorts is protected from liability for injuries arising from inherent risks of skiing. However, the resort remains liable for negligent grooming, failure to mark hazards, lift malfunctions, reckless ski patrol or employee behavior, and inadequate signage. Vail's extensive terrain, including ungroomed bowls and expert chutes, creates areas where the line between inherent risk and resort negligence may be disputed. Documented cases of grooming negligence and unmarked obstacles on Vail's runs have resulted in significant settlements.
C.R.S. 33-44-101
Ski Safety Act
50%
Comparative Fault Bar
~$642K
Noneconomic Cap
Common Injuries at Vail
Get injury-specific information and settlement data for ski injuries at Vail.
Knee Injury at Vail
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Torn ACL at Vail
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Torn Meniscus at Vail
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Broken Bones at Vail
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Fractured Ribs at Vail
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Shoulder Injury at Vail
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Rotator Cuff Tear at Vail
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Concussion at Vail
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Traumatic Brain Injury at Vail
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Spinal Cord Injury at Vail
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Back Injury at Vail
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Neck Injury at Vail
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Hip Injury at Vail
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Wrist Fracture at Vail
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Ankle Fracture at Vail
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FAQ: Ski Injuries at Vail
Yes, if Vail was negligent. The Colorado Ski Safety Act (C.R.S. § 33-44-101) protects resorts from liability for inherent risks of skiing, but does NOT protect against negligence including lift malfunctions, failure to mark hazards, negligent grooming, and reckless employee behavior.
Ski injury settlements vary widely. Minor injuries (sprains, bruises): $10,000-$30,000. Moderate (torn ACL, broken bones): $40,000-$150,000. Severe (TBI, spinal cord injury): $150,000-$1,000,000+. The Ski Safety Act's inherent risk defense can affect the outcome.
Report to ski patrol immediately. Get medical attention. Document the scene with photos. Get witness contact information. Request a copy of the ski patrol incident report. Do NOT sign any release forms from the resort. Contact an attorney experienced in ski injury claims.