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Originally Posted by GP_Matt
I think that the difference is that he used Cypress' lift system to access the back country. Cypress is a private company and when you buy your lift ticket you are agreeing to their terms one of which is likely that you are not to leave the ski area boundary and if you do you are liable for the recovery costs.
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I think most ski hills take a 'leave at your own risk' approach to their boundaries, as opposed to actually forbidding it. Once he was outside of the boundaries, I don't think the ski hill would have any responsibility to rescue him, so maybe they can't actually charge him for any rescue costs? From the story it sounds more like they are asking him to donate to the volunteer rescue service, as opposed to actually billing him.
Does anybody have a link to the actual terms of usage agreement from a ski hill? The closest I could find for Lake Louise is this:
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Ski Area Boundary
Outside the Lake Louise Ski Area boundary lies the backcountry of Banff National Park. Traveling in these areas is hazardous, and those leaving the ski area boundary do so at their own risk and must be prepared to travel on their own terms. The backcountry is not patrolled and receives no avalanche control, and includes other hazards such as cliffs, rocks, trees, and becoming lost. Backcountry travelers must rely on themselves in case of emergency, as rescue may take considerable time to come to your aid. Please contact any Banff National Park information centre for more information on backcountry travel.
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From this page:
http://www.skilouise.com/the-mountain/safety.php