STOWE, Vt. -
The holiday weekend is a busy time for ski resorts as people flock to the mountains. But skiers and riders be aware. A bill is going through the statehouse to possibly fine those who go out of bounds, requiring rescue.
Skiers and riders flock to Stowe for President's Day weekend.
"Mother Nature, dumped two to three feet of snow and its' made for another successful holiday weekend," said Michael Colbourn, with Stowe Mountain Resort.
Having a lot of people is good for business but it can be dangerous if they are unfamiliar with the area and try to take their own path.
"If people go out of bounds and they make that decision and they do get lost, they are really risking those who have to come and find them," said Colbourn.
Risking the lives of people like Neil Van Dyke, the team leader for Stowe Mountain Rescue.
"It's been busy for the state particularly down south in the Killington area," said Van Dyke.
He has seen all kinds of rescues take place, "We had someone this past weekend who skied out of bounds and broke their leg and needed rescue after dark."
And because there have been several dozen rescues in the Rutland area, State Senator
Kevin Mullin, introduced a bill that would bring a criminal trespass charge to those who need rescued for skiing off a designated ski trail, a fine of up to 500 dollars.
"The ski areas are posting signs everywhere but people are ignoring them, and if they could advertise the fact that it's a crime, than it may make people think twice about doing it," said Senator Mullin.
But Van Dyke has concerns about bringing a criminal charge to those who need rescued, "Not to call for help when it's single digits out and dark because they are worried about the consequences of getting rescued. We just want them to call."
However, Senator Mullin doesn't think the fine will discourage those people who really need rescuing.
