Being safe on ice

As I was going skiing today I slipped on some ice that was covering the sidewalk. Normally, I would be upset and continue on my way, but after doing a sport management degree I looked at it in a different light; was the ski area doing all they could to provide a safe environment for their customers and employees? From a risk management standpoint, the answer is no. 

After getting up I continued to walk, carefully, to purchase my ticket I noticed that the entire sidewalk was covered in a layer of ice. When I got my ticket I let the seller know about the ice and was told that they would look into it, but they didn't seem too interested in addressing it. 

Now, luckily I am young and reasonably fit so I just got a bruise on the ice, but what if I was older? The ski area was aware of the ice and yet did not do anything about it. They have options at their disposal to either help or warn: use salt or sand, put up signs warning of the ice or station employees to warn customers. They did not employ any of those methods. 

As it turns out I was talking to a patrol men who told me that they had to put stitches ino someone after they fell on the ice. I hope, for the sake of the ski area, that is the extent of the injuries. 

Was this situation completely avoidable? No. But they could have taken steps to make it safer or caution people; and they chose not to do it. This lack of preparation leaves them open to potential litigation. Don't make the same mistake.