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Giegler, who represents Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield, commended the unanimous passage of H.B. 5148 An Act Concerning Ski Safety, according to a press release. The legislation is meant "to improve safety standards at our Connecticut ski areas assuring that the responsibilities are meant for both the operators of an area and the skiers participating in the sport at these areas," according to a press release.
“I introduced and sponsored this legislation after a 14-year-old student fell off a chairlift at one of our local areas and the management stated that Connecticut did not require the use of restraining bars in accordance with posted instructions,” said Giegler, Ranking Member of the Public Safety and Security Committee.
The legislation passed "requires ski lift operators to ensure that chairlifts are equipped with a restraining bar that does not yield to forward pressure by a skier and to post instructions on the proper use of the devices and notices that the law requires they use," according to the press release. The bill also requires riders to close any restraint device, except when getting on or off the lift, according to the release.
“Skiing as a recreational sport is recognized as having some risk, a risk I am most familiar with due to my families’ involvement with this industry through the years both in Connecticut and in Vermont,” Giegler said.
“Owners need to be responsible for the operational safety of their areas and each skier has the sole responsibility to heed the mountain’s safety measures.”
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