Bill > S03209

This bill requires children under 18 years old to wear protective helmets while skiing or snowboarding, and expands safety regulations to explicitly include snowboarding alongside skiing. The legislation amends the general obligations law and labor law to define new safety requirements, including mandating that ski area operators sell or rent protective headgear that meets specific safety standards, and prohibit children under 18 from boarding ski lifts without a helmet. Ski area operators must also post conspicuous notices about the helmet requirement and the risks inherent in skiing and snowboarding. The bill introduces civil penalties for ski area operators who knowingly fail to comply with these new provisions, with fines ranging from $100 for a first violation to $200 for subsequent violations within a year. The law recognizes skiing and snowboarding as voluntary activities with inherent risks, but seeks to mitigate potential injuries to young participants by ensuring they wear protective headgear. The changes will take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law, giving ski areas time to prepare for the new requirements.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3209