Industry News
A proposed North Carolina ski pass law would make fraudulent pass use a criminal misdemeanor and cap resort injury claims at $1 million, according to WUNC News reporting on April 28. According to WUNC News, the bill aims to modernize safety standards while addressing the financial risks faced by the state’s mountain operators.
The proposed regulations, introduced in an N.C. House judiciary committee, would create a Class 1 misdemeanor for “misuse of a ski pass.” Under these rules, individuals caught using stolen or fraudulent passes, skiing on private property without a valid ticket, or fleeing the scene of a collision could face criminal charges. Representative Dudley Greene, a Republican who represents major resort areas in Avery County, noted during committee testimony that the legislation was drafted at the request of the ski industry to mirror safety acts already in place in states like Colorado and West Virginia.
North Carolina Ski Pass Law: What the Bill Proposes
Beyond criminalizing pass fraud, the bill seeks to limit the civil liability of resort owners. Key provisions include a one-year statute of limitations for filing injury claims and a $1 million cap on total damages a skier can recover from a resort. Supporters of the North Carolina ski pass law argue these measures are necessary to keep insurance premiums manageable for local mountains.
However, the North Carolina ski pass law proposal has met resistance from critics who believe the bill is a lopsided attempt to shield businesses from accountability. Representative Deb Butler expressed concern that the bill does far more than define safety protocols, calling it a clear attempt to limit liability for negligence. Butler pointed out that North Carolina’s strict “contributory negligence” laws already provide a robust defense for resorts, as a person who is even partially at fault for their own injury can be barred from recovering any damages. North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that still applies pure contributory negligence, meaning a skier even 1% at fault can recover nothing — making the additional $1 million cap particularly striking to critics.
As the North Caroline ski pass law debate continues, committee chair Representative Sarah Stevens has called for further review of how these protections compare to other high-risk recreational activities. A committee vote to advance the legislation could happen this week, potentially moving the bill toward a final vote on the House floor.
