Colorado · Rafting

Colorado Whitewater Rafting Liability Waiver Template

Colorado enforces clearly written waivers for simple negligence under the Jones v. Dressel four-factor test, but ski-specific statutory duties cannot be waived.

Not legal advice. These templates and summaries are general information for tour and rental operators, not legal advice, and do not create an attorney–client relationship. Waiver law varies by state and changes over time. Before you rely on any waiver, have it reviewed by a licensed attorney in the state where you operate. Legal notes last reviewed June 2026.

Generally enforceable (four-factor test)

In Colorado, your rafting waiver should be drafted with this in mind. Below is what Colorado law says, what it means for your waiver, and where to get it reviewed.

What Colorado law says about liability waivers

Four-factor test

A release for simple negligence is enforceable if fairly entered and worded in clear, unambiguous language (Jones v. Dressel, 1981).

Gross / willful — never

Waivers cannot release willful, wanton, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct.

Ski statute carve-out

The Colorado Supreme Court held in 2024 (Miller v. Crested Butte) that a release cannot bar a negligence-per-se claim based on violations of the Ski Safety Act or Passenger Tramway Safety Act — you can't contract around statutory duties.

Minors in Colorado

Colorado statute (C.R.S. § 13-22-107) expressly allows a parent to release a child's prospective negligence claim for youth activities — but not willful, wanton, reckless, or grossly negligent acts.

What operators can do

Draft to the Jones v. Dressel clarity standard, and for ski operations remember the Ski Safety Act sets duties a waiver cannot erase. Confirm with a Colorado attorney.

Colorado Whitewater Rafting waiver template

Start from our whitewater rafting waiver template, then add Colorado's required wording. Always have a Colorado attorney review the final document.

Sources

Colorado statutes and case-law summaries behind this page. Laws change — verify the current position with a licensed attorney.

Collect signed rafting waivers automatically

However your state treats waivers, you still need every guest's signature on file. EquipDash sends your Colorado waiver after each booking, captures the signature with a timestamp and IP address, and stores it against the booking — so you always have a clean, dated record.

COLORADO WAIVER FAQ

Colorado rafting waiver questions

General guidance for operators. For your specific situation, consult a licensed Colorado attorney.

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Are rafting waivers enforceable in Colorado?

Colorado enforces clearly written waivers for simple negligence under the Jones v. Dressel four-factor test, but ski-specific statutory duties cannot be waived. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm with a Colorado attorney.

Can a parent sign a Colorado waiver for a child?

Is a rafting waiver legally binding?

Do minors need a separate waiver?

Keep every signed waiver on file

Start your free 21-day trial and let EquipDash collect, timestamp, and store every waiver with your bookings.