Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Jury Awards $21 Million in Crested Butte Chairlift Fall as Caps Limit Vail's Payout to $12.4 Million

The case tests Colorado's narrowed ski-resort liability following a state Supreme Court decision on waivers.

Image
CRESTED BUTTE, CO - JANUARY 22: The Prospect ski lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort was not in operation on Sunday and Monday, January 23rd and 24th, 2022 at Crested Butte Ski Resort. Local skiers have complained that since Vail Resorts bought the ski area in 2018, their promotion of the area and the promotion of their Epic Pass have brought large crowds of skiers to the small area that overwhelm the area's small resources. During this winter chairlifts serving the area have sometimes been shut down due to staffing shortages. (Photo by Dean Krakel, Special to The Denver Post)

Overview

  • Jurors found Vail Resorts 75% at fault and Annie Miller 25% at fault for the 2022 Paradise Express incident.
  • Because of the fault split and Colorado’s cap on noneconomic damages, Vail Resorts expects to pay about $12.4 million.
  • The lawsuit proceeded after a 2024 Colorado Supreme Court ruling limited the protection of liability waivers, and the Millers argued staff violated ANSI chairlift safety standards.
  • The verdict totaled $21 million, including $10.5 million for economic losses, $5.3 million for non-economic damages, and $5.3 million for physical impairment.
  • Vail Resorts said the decision was inconsistent with Colorado law but acknowledged the accident’s toll and emphasized its commitment to safety, while Miller, now 20, continues her studies at the University of Tulsa.