At Your Own Risk

Ever since the emergence of lift-serviced skiing about a century ago, a pervasive principle has been a guiding force: ski at your own risk. It’s a principle that has been posted on lift towers and printed on lift tickets. It hums like a subliminal mantra in the back of the minds of all skiers and riders as they launch down slopes of varying difficulties and on snow of varying textures. 

Another principle of modern life: whenever the word “risk” enters the conversation, “insurance” is sure to follow. What might be surprising, then, is how long it has taken for the introduction of personal insurance to cover the medical expenses of skiers and riders in the case of an accident.