Negligent Supervision Claims: How Resorts Handle Ski Schools, Lessons, and Youth Programs
Kevin Kristof

Ski resorts across Vermont promote ski schools, private lessons, and youth programs as safe, structured ways for children and beginners to learn on the mountain. Parents and students trust that instructors are properly trained and that groups will be managed carefully. When that trust is broken and an injury occurs, negligent supervision claims may arise, even in a sport known for inherent risks.

 

At the Brown Law Firm, we help injured skiers and families evaluate when a resort may be legally responsible for injuries that occur during lessons or organized programs.

 

The Resort’s Duty of Care in Ski Schools

While skiing itself carries risk, ski schools and supervised programs create additional legal responsibilities. When a resort offers instruction, it takes on a duty to:

  • Provide qualified and properly trained instructors
  • Match students to appropriate skill levels and terrain
  • Supervise students throughout the lesson
  • Respond promptly and appropriately to unsafe conditions

This duty applies to children, teens, and adult beginners participating in group lessons, private instruction, race programs, and seasonal youth programs.

 

Instructor Training and Qualifications Matter

One of the first issues examined in a negligent supervision case is instructor training. Resorts often rely on seasonal staff, and training standards can vary widely.

Key questions include:

  • Was the instructor certified or adequately trained for the lesson type?
  • Did the instructor have experience teaching the student’s age or ability level?
  • Was the instructor supervising too many students at once?

Inadequate training or improper instructor assignments can significantly weaken a resort’s defense after a student is injured.

 

Group Management and Student Oversight

Proper group management is critical, especially with children and beginner skiers. Common supervision failures include:

  • Allowing students to ski ahead without visual contact
  • Losing track of students on crowded trails
  • Taking groups onto terrain beyond their skill level
  • Failing to control speed or spacing within the group

When instructors fail to maintain control of a lesson group, injuries can occur that go beyond normal skiing risks.

 

Youth Programs and Heightened Responsibility

Youth programs often involve full-day instruction, lift access, lunch supervision, and on-mountain movement. With these programs comes a heightened expectation of care.

Resorts may be liable if they fail to:

  • Monitor children consistently throughout the day
  • Enforce helmet or safety policies
  • Adjust activities for weather, visibility, or trail conditions
  • Address known hazards on lesson routes

Parents are not simply buying a lift ticket, they are entrusting their child’s safety to the resort.

 

Waivers Do Not Eliminate Negligence

Ski schools and youth programs almost always require waivers. While resorts rely heavily on these documents, waivers do not excuse negligent supervision.

Courts often scrutinize whether:

  • The injury resulted from instructor error or lack of supervision
  • The student was placed in an unreasonably dangerous situation
  • The resort failed to follow its own safety policies

If negligence is proven, waivers may offer limited protection.

 

When a Resort May Be Held Liable

Resorts may face liability when injuries result from:

  • Poor instructor training or understaffing
  • Inadequate supervision of lesson groups
  • Mismatched terrain selection
  • Failure to respond to known safety concerns

Each case depends on the facts, documentation, and whether the resort acted reasonably under the circumstances.

 

Talk to a Vermont Ski Accident Attorney

Negligent supervision cases involving ski schools and youth programs require a detailed understanding of Vermont ski law, resort operations, and instructional standards.

 

The Brown Law Firm represents injured skiers and families throughout Vermont. If you or your child was injured during a ski lesson, ski school, or youth program, an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine whether the resort’s conduct crossed the line from inherent risk to negligence.

 

Contact the Brown Law Firm today to discuss your case and learn your legal options.