DENVER (KDVR) — A dramatic rescue unfolded Saturday at Winter Park Resort when 174 skiers and snowboarders were stranded for hours due to a gondola malfunction. The incident ignited concerns but concluded with the safe evacuation of all passengers, showcasing both the rapid response of the ski patrol and the calm demeanor of those trapped.
The gondola, located about 70 miles west of Denver, experienced the mechanical failure at approximately 12:15 p.m. According to Jen Miller, the resort's public relations and communications manager, the gondola system immediately shut down to prioritize safety. Ski patrol began the rescue operations around 1 p.m., successfully assisting the last passenger by 6 p.m.
Aleksey Dmitriyev, one of the individuals rescued, shared his experience with KDVR. Having skied since 1999 and visiting Winter Park around 15 times each season, he was eager to hit the slopes with his wife when the gondola suddenly stopped. “We were going up to do our first run, my wife and I, and we stopped. Stopped for about 15 minutes and we started kind of thinking, maybe it’s unusual,” he recounted. Concerned, Dmitriyev contacted the ski patrol, who reassured him to remain calm.
Stuck approximately 30 to 50 feet above the ground, Dmitriyev even recorded video footage of the unusual situation. He noted there was also a young child onboard who exhibited worry but remained largely calm. “Everybody was pretty calm, ski patrol was calm and professional and assured us,” Dmitriyev stated. His mention of the ski patrol’s professionalism highlighted their preparedness for emergency situations, as they had trained for such incidents. It was, interestingly, the first time the gondola at Winter Park had experienced such issues.
Upon being rescued, rather than cutting their day short, Dmitriyev and his wife decided to continue skiing, utilizing another lift. “We skied a few runs after the rescue. It was still an OK day but a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he remarked, reflecting on the oddity of the experience. His positive outlook added a human touch to what could have been a frightening encounter.
Following the malfunction, the resort took immediate action to address the situation. Winter Park Resort announced the gondola would remain closed on Sunday for necessary repairs and inspections. The Colorado Tramway Safety Board, responsible for overseeing the safety of gondolas and chairlifts throughout the state, worked alongside the gondola manufacturer, Leitner Poma, to evaluate the situation.
By Sunday evening, the resort confirmed the installation of new parts to the gondola. “A new part had been installed, and the gondola will be running again on Monday for thorough testing and evaluation,” the resort communicated, giving hope to eager skiers. They also stated the gondola would reopen to the public as soon as testing was successfully concluded, though no specific timeframe was provided.
The incident highlights not only the potential hazards inherent to winter sports but also the importance of safety protocols. Responding to malfunctions such as these requires industry knowledge and experience, as demonstrated by the ski patrol's efforts. Their quick action ensured the safety and well-being of all stranded individuals.
This occurrence at Winter Park Resort serves as both a cautionary tale and affirmation of the winter sports community's dedication to safety. With skiers continuing to frequent the resort, confidence may be restored with the implementation of preventive measures and rapid emergency responses.
