I don't think you're actually correct about either of those pursuits--especially in Colorado. Look at all the unprepared people who try to climb mountains every day. I've seen multitudes of people walking up 14ers in flip flops. Yes, they are not technical, but no, you're still dead if you slip on the trail in many places. Same with backcountry skiing. There is no knowledge or training requirement. Look at the number of people who are killed each and every year by avalanches who not only ignore conditions warnings, but then have no beacons, avalungs, shovels etc once they are caught.