§ 18-101. Legislative purpose. The legislature hereby finds that
alpine or downhill skiing is both a major recreational sport and a major
industry within the state of New York. The legislature further finds:
(1) that downhill skiing, like many other sports, contains inherent
risks including, but not limited to, the risks of personal injury or
death or property damage, which may be caused by variations in terrain
or weather conditions; surface or subsurface snow, ice, bare spots or
areas of thin cover, moguls, ruts, bumps; other persons using the
facilities; and rocks, forest growth, debris, branches, trees, roots,
stumps or other natural objects or man-made objects that are incidental
to the provision or maintenance of a ski facility in New York state; (2)
that downhill skiing, without established rules of conduct and care, may
result in injuries to persons and property; (3) that it is appropriate,
as well as in the public interest, to take such steps as are necessary
to help reduce the risk of injury to downhill skiers from undue,
unnecessary and unreasonable hazards; and (4) that it is also necessary
and appropriate that skiers become apprised of, and understand, the
risks inherent in the sport of skiing so that they may make an informed
decision of whether or not to participate in skiing notwithstanding the
risks. Therefore, the purpose and intent of this article is to
establish a code of conduct for downhill skiers and ski area operators
to minimize the risk of injury to persons engaged in the sport of
downhill skiing and to promote safety in the downhill ski industry.