Colorado ski resort may mandate helmets for children attending ski school

<br>VAIL, Colo. (AP) _ Vail Resorts may become the second ski company this year to make helmets mandatory for children attending ski school next season. <br><br>The company is especially concerned about

Sunday, March 31st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

VAIL, Colo. (AP) _ Vail Resorts may become the second ski company this year to make helmets mandatory for children attending ski school next season.

The company is especially concerned about out-of-town families who may not be aware helmets are a rapidly growing safety trend, said Bill Jensen, chief officer of Vail Mountain.

Earlier this month, Aspen Skiing Co. announced that next season it would require all enrollees in ski schools under 12 years of age to wear helmets. This season the resort is requiring children 6 years and younger to wear helmets in ski school.

Jensen said Vail Resorts, which also operates Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge mountains, hasn't settled on an age limit or how helmets will be made available.

David Perry, president of Colorado Ski Country USA, said officials from other resorts are considering helmet rules for ski school.

Earlier this month, a doctor credited a helmet with saving the life of a 5-year-old Chicago boy who skiied into a tree at Aspen Highlands. He suffered only cuts, bruises and a minor concussion.

Fifteen people have died from ski accidents at Colorado ski areas this season marking a state record. The previous record was 12 in 1998-1999, according to Colorado Ski Country USA.