Part of what makes that message so clear, however, is its simplicity. Hall was way out of line. Less obvious is what standard should be applied to ski areas. If someone skis into a lift tower the area clearly should not be held liable. The same is true for skiers who fall down and hurt themselves.
Skiing carries an inherent risk and skiers accept that when they buy a lift ticket.
But ski areas should be held accountable, too. They control what behavior is permitted on their mountains, how well the runs are patrolled and how strictly the rules are enforced. When it comes to safety, they are not disinterested bystanders. Nathan Hall s conviction rightly says that skiers are responsible for how they act. It is a message that should be heeded by ski area operators as well.