N.Y. General Obligations Law § 18-101: Legislative purpose

§ 18-101. Legislative purpose. The legislature hereby finds that

alpine or downhill skiing is both a major recreational sport and a major

industry within the state of New York. The legislature further finds:

(1) that downhill skiing, like many other sports, contains inherent

risks including, but not limited to, the risks of personal injury or

death or property damage, which may be caused by variations in terrain

or weather conditions; surface or subsurface snow, ice, bare spots or

areas of thin cover, moguls, ruts, bumps; other persons using the

facilities; and rocks, forest growth, debris, branches, trees, roots,

stumps or other natural objects or man-made objects that are incidental

to the provision or maintenance of a ski facility in New York state; (2)

that downhill skiing, without established rules of conduct and care, may

result in injuries to persons and property; (3) that it is appropriate,

as well as in the public interest, to take such steps as are necessary

to help reduce the risk of injury to downhill skiers from undue,

unnecessary and unreasonable hazards; and (4) that it is also necessary

and appropriate that skiers become apprised of, and understand, the

risks inherent in the sport of skiing so that they may make an informed

decision of whether or not to participate in skiing notwithstanding the

risks. Therefore, the purpose and intent of this article is to

establish a code of conduct for downhill skiers and ski area operators

to minimize the risk of injury to persons engaged in the sport of

downhill skiing and to promote safety in the downhill ski industry.