Christopher Norris died at Winter Park this January in an avalanche and now his family has filed a wrongful death suit. The family has filed the suit based on the fact that Winter Park should have known the area was prone to avalanches. It occurred in the Trestle Trees vicinity. So is this one of the ‘inherent dangers and risks’ that is a part of the sport we love so much? With all due respect to the victim and his family, I believe it is and choose to wear my beacon in-bounds on high-hazard days. I certainly would not want my family to sue for an avalanche accident whether it is in bounds or in the backcountry. They accept that the sport is dangerous and so do I. This is the second lawsuit filed against a Colorado Resort this month and could change the future of skiing big terrain in-bounds. Details on the Aspen Hot Dog incident can be found HERE. Unfortunately, this is the society we live in today.
PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE:
Accident Area
Victim Buried Here
Hoar Crystals
Topo Map of Area
Accident Report Here
More on the lawsuit HERE