Assumption of Risk Doctrine Is Not Absolute on Ski Slopes

A Michigan state appeals court has reversed a trial court, finding that a trial judge should not have granted a defendant skier’s motion for summary judgment, pursuant to the state’s Ski Area Safety Act.   Specifically, the panel of judges held that the “assumption of risk” provision within the SASA does not automatically shield a defendant from a determination that he was negligent and subsequently liable for his role in a collision that resulted in injuries to the plaintiff.