Biola students have mixed feelings about a new ski and snowboarding safety bill introduced in California in February after an NBC4 I-Team Investigation found that ski resorts were not reporting all injuries and deaths.

The bill would require each ski resort to prepare an annual safety plan to be posted on the resort’s website and at the resort. It would also include specifications for resort accident procedures as well as requiring the resorts to create monthly and annual reports. These reports would include information about all known deaths and injuries.

Determining cost-effectiveness

Ryan Printz, a freshman cinema and media arts major, agrees with the motive behind the bill, but expressed his concern about if this was the right place to spend funds.

"I think it's worthwhile to have, but I think there are probably better places where they could spend their money, although I do agree it would be helpful to have it," said Printz.

Junior business major Erik Schiller skis about once or twice each season, and believes that the the bill is unnecessary and will only cause problems for the resorts.

“Creating more regulation is just going to make it difficult for the resorts to be within compliance because it creates a laundry list of dos and don’ts,” Schiller said.

Printz agrees with Schiller that the bill is difficult, but overall agrees with the intent behind the proposal.

"I honestly think it's a good investment, but I don't think it's absolutely necessary, but I understand where people are coming from when they say that it should be required," said Printz.

Stricter policies, safer slopes?

The bill includes policies and standards for equipment design and quality for close monitoring on guest behavior and overall protection.

There are several categories, including impact protection, slope trail intersection design and natural and manmade hazard warnings. Others include lift chair designs, boundary markings, reckless behavior management, alcohol limitations, helmet use, rental equipment quality and mountain medical facilities.

Slater Garcia, a freshman cinema and media arts major, also snowboards once or twice a season. Drawing out methods for safety will help the ski resorts implement practical methods of safety and allow the resorts to do a better job ensuring the safety of the skiers and snowboarders, he said.

“Safety is always an issue, especially in public places. People are always concerned, and by having this law, it will help people to feel more at ease about what the resort is doing to ensure their safety,” Garcia said.

Annaliese Franklin, a transfer cinema and media arts major, also addressed the issue of safety and the necessity of recognizing the safety of others.

"Because people can be careless, laws like this need to happen. I think it will help encourage skiers and snowboarders be more aware of their own safety and the safety of others in their environment," said Franklin.

Schiller also said he believed most of the accidents are caused by the negligence of people who are not careful when they ski.

“How much do these resorts have to be responsible for people being careless?” Schiller said.

Garcia agreed with Schiller on the fact that people are sometimes reckless, but believes that putting this law into effect will help to keep people’s dangerous behavior in order.

“There’s no denying the fact that people are irresponsible, but the fact of the matter is whether or not the resorts are going to do all they can to prevent dangerous incidents from happening," Garcia said. "Injuries are bound to happen, but the fewer, the better."