Winter Park Resort’s gondola experienced a major malfunction on Saturday, December 21st, leaving 182 passengers stranded for several hours before they were successfully rescued. The incident, described as unprecedented by resort officials, unfolded around 12:15 p.m. when the gondola system automatically shut down after detecting a crack in one of its support beams.
According to spokesperson Jen Miller, ski patrol initiated rescue operations at 1:00 p.m., which continued until approximately 6:00 p.m. The rescue party utilized ropes to lower riders from the gondola cars, effectively averting any injuries during the event. The guests were stuck between 30 to 50 feet above the ground, and one passenger, Aleksey Dmitriyev, recalled his experience as he documented the scene.
"We were going up to do our first run when we stopped," Dmitriyev shared. "Initially, we thought it was unusual, but soon after, we noticed ski patrol starting to come down to communicate with us. Everyone remained relatively calm, and the ski patrol was reassuring and professional. They’ve trained for such situations before." This level of professionalism showcased by the ski patrol was echoed by other passengers who also spoke about the calm yet swift response to the crisis.
Witnesses shared videos showing the ski patrol assisting passengers down from the gondola, illustrating the efficiency of the rescue effort. Another rider, Derek Petrie, described the ski patrol as heroes, noting, "They worked quickly and with calm professionalism to get dozens of people down the mountain." The scenario certainly made for a unique experience for many, as some riders humorously compared it to scenes from the animated movie Frozen.
With all riders safely evacuated by 6:00 p.m., the focus quickly shifted to repair and safety inspections. The gondola was closed for repairs on Sunday, with the Colorado Tramway Safety Board and the gondola's manufacturer, Leitner Poma, closely involved. They worked diligently to determine the cause of the crack and to replace the faulty component, which was noted to have been delivered from Grand Junction within just hours. The rapid response from the company saw repairs underway immediately, allowing thorough testing before reopening.
Leitner Poma, which has manufactured over 25% of Colorado's operating passenger tramways, confirmed the installation of the new part by Monday morning. The gondola was cleared after passing extensive inspections, with operations resuming shortly after 1:00 p.m. on December 23. "It was an amazing turn of events from a recovery process," said Daren Cole, president of Leitner Poma of America.
While riders were glad to see the gondola back up and running, the incident prompted concern over the safety of ski lifts, reminiscent of past incidents at ski resorts. Historical records highlight the importance of maintaining rigorous inspection protocols, especially following incidents like the one at Vail ski area nearly five decades ago, which resulted from similar mechanical failures.
Following the recent event, the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board announced increased inspections of ski lifts across the state, urging other ski resorts to check similar components on their gondolas. "No issues have been reported so far from other ski resorts, but we're ensuring thorough follow-ups, just to guarantee safety across the board," noted Lee Rasizer, spokesperson for the regulatory body.
Historical safety measures will undoubtedly come under closer scrutiny as riders concerned about lift operations voice their feedback. Safety remains the utmost priority, echoed by resort officials who have taken proactive measures to assure guests of their commitment.
"This was the first time our gondola experienced such evacuation needs, and safety procedures were effectively executed," Miller stated. "We greatly appreciate the patience of our riders who went through this unusual situation. They will be compensated with free lift tickets for their inconvenience."
Despite the weekend's turmoil, loyal skiers like Mike Wolf noted their continued trust, stating, "I’ve skied at Winter Park for almost seven decades, and this was the first time I experienced something like this. The professionalism displayed by the staff truly made us feel safe." Survivors of the ordeal shared positive anecdotes, finding camaraderie during their unexpected adventure as they exchanged contact information and pledged to meet again.
Winter Park's gondola reopening provided closure to the incident, reflecting both the ingenuity of the ski patrol's response and the efficient restoration of trust among the riders. While the Colorado Tramway Safety Board continues its investigation, for now, the resort stands ready to welcome back skiers eager to hit the slopes once again.
