In a word, yes. In a free society, we implicitly agree to be responsible for our actions and their effects upon others. Our legal structure demands that contract (despite having professions dedicated to redefining that – lawyers and legislators). Why would there be exceptions on ski slopes?

I don’t believe a skier or snowboarder involved in a fatal accident should automatically be charged with a crime. Accidents do happen. It is possible for two people to simultaneously make errors in judgement resulting in a collision. Equipment failures or unforeseen conditions that were neither person’s fault have also caused accidents.

The accident needs to be thoroughly investigated before charges are brought. If one person is clearly at fault through reckless behavior, then bringing criminal charges is appropriate.

Accidents are investigated on highways or ski slopes and fault determined; if reckless endangerment is present legal charges are in order.

The death of a victim in any accident should result in legal charges; whether they be negligent homicide, manslaughter or otherwise, a court and jury determines the extent of negligence and possible penalty.

No one should be exempt from consequences of actions that result in the death of another. Although extenuating circumstances can mitigate subsequent penalties, it should still be up to a court of law to determine those consequences.

If anyone assaults another person, either on the slopes or off, the one at fault should be held responsible for their actions. When we are involved in recreation, we are trying to be at ease and relaxed. All of us should be aware of this and be conscious of others who may not be as aware due to any number of things. However, this does not relieve us of our obligation, both legally and socially, to watch out for others and to be held accountable for our actions.

Yes. If a wrongdoer shows a total disregard of, or indifference to, the life of another skier, and that absolute recklessness results in the death of an innocent, the penalty should be swift and severe.

As unfortunate as it is true, our society has only the threat of punishment to curtail bad behavior, before life is lost. After a calamity, the threat must become a certainty, if the law is to detour future, needless, loss of life.