Timberline Lodge in Oregon. Image Credit: Justin McFadden.

Salem, Oregon — Time is running out on Oregon’s legislative session, which started on February 2nd and will conclude on March 8th.

This session has been especially of interest to ski resorts and other outdoor recreation businesses, which are looking for liability protection. Since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling, liability waivers in the state haven’t been enforceable. Because of this, ski resorts have lost some costly lawsuits, and only one insurer remains in the states for operators. There has yet to be a bill signed into law, but one crafted by legislators could somehow make the situation worse.

The Oregonian reports that ski resorts fear that a bill that has advanced in the Oregon Legislature would not help the ski industry. Senate Bill 1517 would protect ski resorts somewhat, but also allow injured individuals to sue for gross negligence. This bill was narrowly approved in the Oregon Senate.

Since then, ski resort leaders from Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood Skibowl have spoken up, saying the bill was lackluster.

The hope is that the amendments to Senate Bill 1517 will be revised. Alternatively, there’s hope that SB1593 (ORCA – The Outdoor Recreation Commerce and Affordability Act of 2026) gets passed by the Senate Rules Committee. This bill, by Senator Mark Meek (D-Gladstone), would give more protections for ski resorts.

“Oregon is in an affordability crisis for recreation, health and fitness, and insurers are leaving the market or refusing to write coverage at all, and the result is simple: Families are losing access to the activities they love, whether that’s skiing, youth sports, climbing gyms, paddling, or local fitness studios,” said Senator Meek.

If you live in Oregon, it’s a good idea to reach out to your local elected officials.

Mt. Hood Meadows

The latest impact on Oregon was demonstrated earlier this week. Mt. Hood Meadows originally planned to host a demo day this season, but ski brands decided that the risk was too great without enforceable liability waivers.

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If nothing changes, the ski industry could see more cancellations like this, and closures aren’t out of the question.

Image/Video Credits: Justin McFadden, KGW News, Timberline Lodge, Richard Hallman Photo (Mt. Hood Meadows)

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...