A US jury has delivered a seismic verdict against corporate ski giant Vail Resorts, ordering it to pay a staggering $12.4 million in damages after a ski lesson ended in a life-altering catastrophe.
The case centred on a horrific 2019 incident at the company's Keystone Resort in Colorado. The plaintiff, a client on a ski lesson, suffered a devastating crash that resulted in permanent brain injuries, a direct consequence of the instructor's alleged reckless conduct.
A Lesson in Negligence
The court heard how the ski instructor, an employee of Vail Resorts, took the client onto an advanced, bumpy black diamond run known as 'The Grizz'. Shockingly, the instructor allegedly skied far ahead, leaving the client unsupervised and unable to navigate the challenging terrain.
This abandonment led to the client losing control, catapulting into the air, and striking his head on the hard, icy snow. The impact was severe, causing a traumatic brain injury that has irrevocably damaged his cognitive functions, memory, and quality of life.
Corporate Responsibility Under Fire
The jury's substantial award highlights a firm belief that Vail Resorts must be held accountable for the actions of its employees. The plaintiff's legal team successfully argued that the company failed in its duty of care, prioritising profit over safety and adequate training.
This verdict sends a powerful message to the entire recreational tourism industry. It underscores the profound responsibility corporations have to ensure the safety of their customers, especially in high-risk environments like ski slopes.
Vail Resorts, one of the world's largest ski operators, now faces not only a significant financial penalty but also serious reputational damage. The case is likely to prompt a closer examination of safety protocols and instructor training programmes across the industry.
