Colorado high court weighs ski resorts’ avalanche liability

The question of whether Colorado ski resorts can be liable for avalanches that happen within their boundaries comes before the state’s high court in a lawsuit prompted by a skier’s death.

Attorneys present arguments Tuesday in a case with potentially far-reaching implications for the state’s $3-billion-a-year ski industry.

The case involves the death of 28-year-old Christopher Norris, who was killed in 2012 after he was caught in a small avalanche at the Winter Park ski resort. Norris’ widow is suing the ski area’s operator, Intrawest, arguing that the resort should have closed the area where the avalanche happened.

Lower courts have sided with the ski resort, concluding they’re not liable because state law says skiers willingly take a risk on the slopes.

A state Supreme Court ruling could take months.