LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -- Five people were hospitalized Monday after a serious incident involving a malfunctioning chairlift at Heavenly Mountain Resort, located on the California-Nevada border. The accident, which unfolded around 10:00 AM, has left many questions unanswered and triggered immediate responses from emergency services.
The incident occurred on the resort's Comet Express chairlift, known for its high-speed detachable nature. Eyewitnesses reported dramatic scenes as one chair slid backward, colliding with another, leading to passengers falling approximately 30 feet onto the snow. Witness Heidi Schmitt recalled her anxiety as she witnessed first responders at the scene: "We could see about 15 EMTs surrounding someone, and my husband did notice the backpack hanging from the chairlift," she told ABC7 News. Thankfully, she and her husband had escaped the perilous situation just moments before.
According to the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, the response was swift, with two engines and three ambulances dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident. Reports confirmed five individuals were transported to Renown Hospital in Reno for treatment. Among them were two older adults, aged 60 and 71, who suffered serious injuries. One man was reported to have severely injured his shoulder to the point it required emergency surgery, and another was believed to be having breathing problems, speculated to be caused by potential punctured lung injuries.
The Comet Express, operational since 1988, has become one of the two main high-elevation lifts serving the Nevada side of the resort. Despite its popularity among skiers, it has had its share of maintenance issues over the years, resulting in frequent repairs and even extended closures for inspections. Resort communications manager Cole Zimmerman stated, "The safety of our guests is our top priority and the resort is investigating the incident,” reassuring the public about the resort's commitment to safety.
The accident occurred after severe weather conditions had impacted the region. Reports indicated high winds were sweeping through the Sierra Nevada mountains, with gusts recorded at 78 mph just a day before the incident. Maintenance crews have since speculated the icy conditions on the lift cables may have contributed to the malfunction, causing the lift to slip backwards.
Among the witnesses, accounts detailed the chaotic aftermath, where sleds were used to transport injured skiers down the mountain. Other guests on the resort witnessed the frantic scene as emergency personnel arrived to assist. One witness recounted, "I saw the chairs were swinging, and I saw people just hit the ground," highlighting the chaos of the moment. At least one Life Flight helicopter was seen arriving at the scene for patient transport.
Last season, Heavenly faced significant operational challenges when its gondola was forced to shut down for extended periods during peak holiday times. With this latest incident, the resort is again under scrutiny as it faces complaints about safety maintenance. Various ski resorts across the region, including reports from Winter Park and Montana Snowbowl—where evacuations and chair mishaps have raised flags—point to the need for stringent oversight to protect patrons.
The resort's chairlift system had been considered safe, leading many customers to rely on it during the holiday ski season. The recent spate of accidents stands as a stark reminder of the risks involved, even with safety precautions in place.
With investigations currently underway, Heavenly Mountain Resort has pledged transparency going forward, encouraging patrons to remain informed about safety measures and the results of the incident inquiry. The chairlift was closed for the rest of the day as safety inspections began.
This alarming event raises significant concerns not just for Heavenly, but for the ski industry as whole, as the safety of chairlifts and other equipment plays a pivotal role in maintaining consumer trust. Regular communication will be key as authorities work to analyze what happened to prevent future mishaps.
For now, as those injured are treated and the investigation continues, the community watches closely, hoping for swift resolution and return to safety on the slopes of Heavenly Mountain Resort.