Section 866. Declaration of legislative findings

The legislature hereby
  finds that alpine or downhill skiing is both a major recreational  sport
  and  a  major  industry  within  the  state of New York. The legislature
  further finds: (a) that downhill skiing, like many other sports, is  not
  without   some   inherent  risks;  (b)  that  downhill  skiing,  without
  established rules of conduct and care, may result in injuries to persons
  and property; and (c) that it is necessary and appropriate, as  well  as
  in  the  public  interest, to take steps to protect downhill skiers from
  undue, unnecessary  and  unreasonable  hazards,  and  to  encourage  and
  promote safety in the downhill ski industry.
    It is, therefore, the intent of this article to create and provide for
  the  promulgation  of a code of conduct for downhill skiers and ski area
  operators which will minimize the risk of injury to persons and property
  engaged in the sport of downhill skiing.