Ski Safety and Medical Experts, Victims of Snow Sport Tragedies and Consumers Shed Light on Questionable Safety Practices of California S...( Powerful Assembly Judiciary Commit...),Health

Powerful Assembly Judiciary Committee to Hear their Concerns Today at

Capitol Hearing
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT:

As the 2008-2009 California ski season opens, safety practices at

California ski resorts are being called into question by a diverse and

powerful group of ski and snowboard safety advocates; some of whom have

been touched by tragedy. Crowded ski slopes, new ski technologies and

limited traffic management contribute to unsafe conditions, while some

skiers and snowboarders travel as fast as cars. If highway safety is a

priority, they wonder how many deaths and injuries must occur before

uniform safety measures are implemented to prevent further tragedy on the

slopes.

WHY:

The basic tenet of ski law is that injuries and death are just an

"inherent risk of the sport," shielding ski resorts from liability

associated with ski and snowboard deaths and injuries regardless of fault.

As a result, there is no accountability and no accurate or reliable data

to objectively guide the public, as well as policymakers, on snow sport

risks.

WHERE:

California State Capitol, Room 437

WHEN:

Wednesday, November 12

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHO:

Dr. Dan Gregorie, Founder, California Ski and Snowboard Safety

Organization (father of 24-year-old Jessica Gregorie who lost her life in

a fall at Alpine Meadows)

Julia Kozberg, sister died from falling into an unprotected tree well at

Heavenly

Matt Calvert, paralyzed in ski accident at Alpine Meadows

Dr. Matthew Foley, American College of Emergency Physicians, SEMA

Emergency Medicine staff physician

Cathy Barankin, California Coalition for Children's Safety and Health

Melissa Hyland, parent advocate for ski and snowboard safety

Dick Penniman, snow sport safety expert
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