Jackson Hole Requiring Employees To Wear Helmets

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is joining the list of ski areas requiring employees to wear helmets.

A resort spokesman told the Jackson Hole Daily (http://bit.ly/u65plu) that the reaction to the new rule has mostly been positive and that newer helmets are lighter and make it easier to hear than older versions.

In 2009, Jackson Hole ski patroller Kathryn Miller died of head injuries following a fall in a steep chute in the Rendezvous Mountain area. She wasn't wearing a helmet and the Wyoming Department of Employment cited the resort for failing to protect her.

Earlier this year, Aspen Skiing Co. announced all of its on-duty employees would have to wear helmets while riding any of its four ski areas.

Vail Resorts has required employees to wear helmets while skiing since 2009.