A trial involving a homeowner who is suing the Aspen Skiing Company got underway at the Pitkin County Courthouse Tuesday. Aspen Public Radio’s Carolyn Sackariason reports.
Andrew and MaraleeSafir filed suit against the Skico after a mudslide violently crashed through their Buttermilk home in May of 2011. They claim it did $2 million in damage and that Skico is liable because it cut a water diversion ditch near a ski access road above their house, causing the slope to fail.
The company’s laywer, Kevin Bridston, argues the mudslide was an act of God and therefore, it couldn’t be prevented.
In court Tuesday, he argued the triggering event happened the week before the mudslide when 10 inches of wet, heavy snow fell on the ski area.
Andrew Safir, who - perhaps ironically - shares a private drive with the owners of the Skico, was the first witness to testify in what is expected to be a six-day trial.
Carolyn Sackariason, Aspen Public Radio news.