Resorts to rent ski helmets to kids

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE/AP) - State Sen. Eric Griego will withdraw a bill to require ski resorts to offer ski helmet rentals for kids after the state's ski industry agreed to do it on its own.

The measure would have required the resorts to offer rental helmets to any skier or snowboarder under age 18, but wouldn't require kids to wear the helmets.

Only three of New Mexico's eight downhill ski areas -- Santa Fe, Sandia Peak and Pajarito Mountain -- didn't offer helmets for rent.

Those areas have since agreed to begin renting youth helmets. George Brooks, the head of Ski New Mexico, said the resorts should have rental programs within the next week.

A 10-year-old girl died of head injuries on Dec. 30 after losing control while skiing at Ski Santa Fe. Griego, an Albuquerque Democrat, announced his proposal that week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.