A dramatic scene unfolded at Winter Park Resort in Colorado on Saturday, December 21st, 2024, as a structural crack forced the emergency evacuation of 174 skiers and snowboarders from a gondola lift. The incident, which occurred just after noon local time, prompted a swift and meticulous rescue operation by ski patrol, ensuring the safe return of all passengers to the ground.
A Crack in the System: How the Malfunction Unfolded
The malfunction occurred on a gondola lift that had been operational since December 2018. According to Jen Miller, spokesperson for Winter Park Resort, the lift’s automated system detected a crack in a structural component, triggering an immediate shutdown. While Miller referred to the incident as an “operational malfunction” to The Colorado Sun, the specific cause of the crack remains under investigation.
This automatic safety mechanism, though disruptive, underscores the resort’s commitment to passenger safety. The gondola, in essence, did exactly what it was designed to do – prevent a potentially catastrophic failure by halting operations at the first sign of trouble.
A Swift and Skillful Rescue Operation
The resort’s ski patrol, extensively trained for such scenarios, sprang into action. Utilizing ropes and harnesses, patrollers accessed each gondola cabin individually, carefully lowering passengers and their equipment dozens of feet to the ground. This intricate process, captured in numerous videos shared on social media, highlighted the professionalism and efficiency of the rescue teams. Fox 31, a local affiliate station, reported that the evacuation commenced around 1 p.m. and concluded at 6 p.m., with no injuries reported.
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Social media played a crucial role in disseminating real-time updates about the incident. Videos posted by bystanders and trapped skiers provided a firsthand look at the unfolding events, showcasing both the tense moments of waiting and the reassurance provided by the ski patrol’s calm and methodical approach. One TikTok video even captured the initial moments, with a resort employee confirming the evacuation and inquiring about the well-being of passengers.
Ensuring Safety: Investigations and Next Steps
In the aftermath of the incident, Winter Park Resort closed the affected gondola lift. Repair work, involving the replacement of the cracked section, began on Sunday. However, the resort has not provided an estimated completion date for these repairs.
Multiple agencies, including the Colorado Tramway Safety Board and the lift’s manufacturer, Leitner Poma, are set to conduct thorough inspections and investigations. These investigations aim to determine the root cause of the structural failure and ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the lift before it resumes operation. Miller confirmed that the resort is cooperating fully with these authorities.
Looking Ahead: Winter Park Remains Open for Skiing
Despite the gondola closure, Winter Park Resort, a sprawling 3,000-acre destination operated by Alterra Mountain Company, remains open to skiers and snowboarders. With 21 other operational lifts, the resort continues to offer a variety of terrain and experiences for winter sports enthusiasts. While the malfunction is undoubtedly a setback, Miller emphasized that such incidents are rare and that the resort’s teams are well-prepared to handle them effectively.
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FAQs: Addressing Common Questions About the Incident
Q: Was anyone injured during the gondola malfunction or the subsequent evacuation?
A: No, thankfully, no injuries were reported among the 174 passengers or the rescue personnel.
Q: What caused the gondola to malfunction?
A: A crack in a structural component triggered the automatic shutdown of the lift. The exact cause of the crack is currently under investigation.
Q: When will the affected gondola lift reopen?
A: The resort has not yet provided an estimated reopening date. Repairs are underway, and the lift will undergo thorough inspections before resuming operation.
Q: How can I stay updated on the latest information regarding the gondola repairs and investigation?
A: For the most current information, visit the official Winter Park Resort website or follow their social media channels.
Q: Is Winter Park Resort still open for skiing despite the gondola closure?
A: Yes, the resort remains open. With 21 other operational lifts, there are still plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.
