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LARA Emphasizes Safety Ahead of Winter Sports Season
December 02, 2024
LANSING, MI - With winter on the horizon, many Michiganders will soon dust off their ski and snowboard gear and prepare to hit the slopes. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) wants to make sure that those getting ready for the winter sports season have peace of mind knowing that the equipment on the slopes has been thoroughly inspected for safety.
“It’s important that those who visit winter sports facilities have an enjoyable and safe experience,” said LARA Director Marlon Brown. “Our Ski & Amusement Safety team has done a great job ensuring that equipment, such as ski lifts, are up to code ahead of the season.”
Michigan is home to the second-largest number of ski areas in the country. LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes is responsible for administering regulations put in place by the Ski Area Safety Act of 1962, inspecting approximately 280 lifts across 43 ski areas.
While the team also inspects trailside equipment and signage, ski lifts are the primary focus for safety. Lifts that meet compliance standards will display a permit decal (pictured below) on or near the lift’s loading terminal. Anyone interested in verifying a lift’s permit status can also use the LARA Verify a License system.
“Ski lifts are mechanical transportation devices that require proper construction, maintenance, and operation,” said Ski & Amusement Safety Unit Chief Greg Ohlemacher. “Through inspection and adherence to law, rule, and code, the state can ensure that ski lift passengers can enjoy a worry-free experience on the slopes.”
More information on the work being done to keep Michigan ski areas safe can be found on the Ski Area Safety Board website. Details on public hearings for the board can be found there as well.
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