Whistler’s Answers: February 21, 1985Whistler’s Answers: February 21, 1985
Another year, another year of questions and answers!
In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1985. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: In 1985, there were no laws regulating conduct while skiing in Canada, though a number of states south of the border had introduced such legislation. If injured in an accident caused by a reckless skier, a person could go through the lengthy process of civil litigation. In 1981, a skier was found 100% responsible for an accident in 1976 in Manning Park that had seriously injured a 14-year-old, and the skier was ordered to pay $300,000. In 1985, the Canada West Ski Areas Association sought to convince the provincial government to enact ski legislation.
Question: Should there be tougher penalties for reckless skiers?
Susan Canaga – Systems Analyst – Auburn, Wash.
Yes, I think they need to look out for the person in front. I’ve had a few near misses with people skiing over the backs of my skis, but as far as punishment goes I think it should depend on the degree of injury the skier causes. When you’re going downhill on skis, you’re a weapon.
Jan Seger – Ski Instructor – White Gold
I think so, yes. Reckless skiers should be slowed down and given a warning. Last year one of our instructors was hit by a skier and got a fractured leg. There are a lot of these skiers around, and you really notice them around the end of the day. That’s when we post hostesses and spare people on the busier runs to get people to ski more cautiously. That seems to work.
Larry Hryshk – Student – Winnipeg
Yes. It’s too dangerous for the younger ones and inexperienced skiers. You could have a fine or they could beef up the patrols. I personally don’t find it a problem but I think there should be runs designated for fast skiing only.