A. Each operator shall be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of each passenger tramway in its winter sports area whenever the tramway is in use, and for the safe construction of any passenger tramway that the operator constructed. At least once during each calendar year, each operator shall have all passenger tramways within the operator's winter sports area inspected by an individual who is qualified pursuant to Virginia law to inspect passenger tramways for compliance with the requirements of the ANSI Ski Lift Code and shall not operate a passenger tramway that is not in compliance until that passenger tramway is certified by such an individual as being in compliance. An operator's compliance with this inspection requirement does not by itself preclude potential liability on the part of the operator for any failure to operate or maintain a passenger tramway safely.
§ 8.01-227.16.Passenger tramways.
Chapter 3. Actions · Article 25. Winter Sports Safety Act · Last amended 2012 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceSection 8.01-227.16 makes the operator responsible for safely running, maintaining, and, if it built one, constructing every passenger tramway, requires an annual compliance inspection under the ANSI Ski Lift Code, and requires the operator to offer riding instruction to anyone unfamiliar with a tramway.
Full Text of § 8.01-227.16
B. If a participant or a passenger using a passenger tramway at a winter sports area with the permission of the operator is unfamiliar with the use of a passenger tramway and asks for instruction on its use, the operator shall provide a reasonable opportunity for such instruction. In addition to the signs required by subsections A, B, and D of § 8.01-227.12, an operator shall install and maintain at or near the loading area for each passenger tramway in the winter sports area a sign stating that if a participant or other passenger is unfamiliar with the use of the passenger tramway and asks for instruction for its use, the operator will provide a reasonable opportunity for such instruction.
Plain-English Summary
Subsection A places responsibility for a passenger tramway squarely on the operator: safe operation and maintenance whenever the tramway is in use, and safe construction for any tramway the operator built. Each tramway must be inspected at least once a calendar year by someone qualified under Virginia law to check compliance with the ANSI Ski Lift Code, and an operator cannot run a tramway that fails that inspection until a qualified individual certifies it as compliant. Passing inspection is not a complete defense on its own — the statute states that compliance with the inspection requirement does not by itself preclude liability for failing to operate or maintain a tramway safely.
Subsection B addresses riders who are unfamiliar with a tramway. If a participant or passenger asks for instruction on using one, the operator must provide a reasonable opportunity for it, and must post a sign at or near each tramway’s loading area, alongside the general warning signage required elsewhere in the article, telling riders that instruction is available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the safety of a chairlift or gondola at a Virginia ski area?
The operator, who is responsible for the tramway’s safe operation and maintenance, and for its safe construction if the operator built it.
How often must passenger tramways be inspected in Virginia?
At least once each calendar year, by an individual qualified under Virginia law to inspect for compliance with the ANSI Ski Lift Code.
If a tramway passes inspection, is the operator automatically protected from a lawsuit over how it is run?
No. Section 8.01-227.16(A) states that compliance with the inspection requirement does not by itself preclude liability for failing to operate or maintain the tramway safely.
Can a passenger ask for help learning to use a chairlift in Virginia?
Yes. The operator must give a reasonable opportunity for instruction on request, and must post a sign at the loading area saying instruction is available.
What happens if a tramway fails its annual inspection?
The operator cannot run it until an individual qualified under Virginia law certifies it as compliant with the ANSI Ski Lift Code.
Amendment History
2012, c. 713.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: virginia ski lift inspection requirementANSI ski lift code virginia lawchairlift safety law virginia8.01-227.16 explainedpassenger tramway instruction request virginia ski resort