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Utah's inherent risks of skiing law
Utah Code 78B-4-402 defines the inherent risks of skiing as dangers that are an integral part of the sport, including: (source: Utah State Legislature)
- changing weather, and snow or ice conditions, including machine made snow;
- surface or subsurface conditions such as bare spots, rocks, stumps, cliffs and trees;
- variations or steepness in terrain, including terrain parks, jumps and rails;
- impact with lift towers, signs, fences, hydrants and other structures;
- collisions with other skiers; and
- a skier's failure to ski within their own ability.
(source: Utah State Legislature)
Section 78B-4-403 bars a skier from making a claim against, or recovering from, a ski area operator for injury resulting from those inherent risks. Section 78B-4-404 requires operators to post trail boards listing the inherent risks and the limits on liability. Section 78B-4-405 lets an adult skier sign a waiver in advance, but a minor, or a parent on a minor's behalf, may not sign one waiving a claim. (source: Utah State Legislature)
In this guide: Utah's inherent risks of skiing law · Cottonwood Canyons traction rules · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code Title 78B, Chapter 4, Part 4, Inherent Risks of Skiing (78B-4-401 to 78B-4-406) (checked October 30, 2026)
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