A ski lift at Winter Park Resort in Colorado cracked mid-day Saturday, leaving up to 174 skiers and snowboarders stranded for hours. The gondola lift came to a halt when its system detected a crack shortly after noon, with each passenger being lowered down by ropes during a five-hour process. Ski patrollers reached each cabin from above, removing equipment before safely moving everyone back to the ground.
Workers began to replace the broken part of the lift the next day, with state regulators and the lift’s manufacturers joining resort officials in an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the crack. Despite the incident, the resort, in the midst of its holiday season, remained open with 21 other lifts in operation. Winter Park Resort is located just 65 miles outside of Denver and is one of the state’s 28 ski resorts, according to the state of Colorado’s website.
The crack in the ski lift led to the stranding of 174 skiers and snowboarders, who were left hanging in the air for hours. Each passenger was eventually lowered down by ropes during a five-hour process, with ski patrollers reaching each cabin from above before moving everyone safely back to the ground. The resort, in the peak of its holiday season, had to ensure the safety of its guests and personnel while addressing the issue.
Following the incident, workers started to replace the broken part of the lift, while regulators and the lift’s manufacturers launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crack. Despite the disruption, Winter Park Resort remained open with 21 other lifts in operation to accommodate visitors during the holiday season. The resort’s response to the situation highlighted the importance of maintaining safe and efficient operations to ensure the well-being of guests and staff.
The ski lift crack was a notable event that required a coordinated effort to safely evacuate the stranded passengers and address the issue promptly. The resort’s actions following the incident, including the replacement of the broken part and the ongoing investigation with state regulators and the lift’s manufacturers, demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all guests. Winter Park Resort’s response also underscored the resilience of the ski industry in adapting to challenges and maintaining operational continuity during peak seasons.
The crack in the ski lift at Winter Park Resort was a significant event that impacted numerous skiers and snowboarders, resulting in hours of delay and the need for a complex evacuation process. The response to the incident, including the safe evacuation of passengers, the replacement of the broken part, and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crack, highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety and ensuring the efficient operation of ski resorts. Despite the disruption, the resort remained open and continued to provide a positive experience for visitors during the holiday season, showcasing the industry’s ability to address challenges and maintain high standards of service.
The incident at Winter Park Resort serves as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges faced by ski resorts in maintaining the safety and well-being of guests. The prompt response and coordinated efforts to address the crack in the ski lift exemplify the commitment of resort officials, ski patrollers, and workers to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. By prioritizing safety, conducting thorough investigations, and implementing necessary repairs, ski resorts can continue to provide a high level of service and maintain the trust of guests, even in the face of unexpected events.
