Winter Park, Colorado, saw a high-stakes operation Saturday as ski patrol teams evacuated between 150 and 175 skiers and snowboarders stranded on its 10-person gondola due to an unexpected mechanical failure.
The rescue mission, which began shortly after noon and lasted nearly six hours, showcased the resort’s rigorous training protocols and swift response to emergencies.
“Safety is always our top priority,” said Winter Park spokesperson Jen Miller. “Our ski patrol trains extensively for these situations, though it’s incredibly rare to have to evacuate a gondola. This was the first time since it opened in 2018.”
COLORADO: A cracked ski lift at Colorado's Winter Park Resort left 174 skiers stranded. Riders were lowered by ropes over 5 hours after the lift auto-stopped. The cause is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/QY1knqxwm5
— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) December 23, 2024
The gondola, a key feature of the resort’s 3,000-acre terrain, came to a sudden halt midday. Guests were left suspended in cabins across the mountain, some for hours, as the patrol deployed ropes and ladders to bring them safely to the ground.
Photos and videos posted on social media provided a gripping look at the rescue efforts. In one post, a skier shared an image of a ski patroller atop a chairlift tower, assisting with the evacuation. Another video captured the methodical process of lowering passengers with red rescue ropes to the snow below.
“It was nerve-wracking, but the patrol kept us calm,” said Sarah Thompson, a skier who was among those rescued. “They explained everything and made sure we felt safe. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Preliminary inspections revealed a cracked piece of metal on a lift tower, which Miller confirmed was part of the malfunction. Teams from Leitner-Poma, the gondola’s manufacturer, and the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board are investigating further.
“The gondola’s safety mechanisms worked as designed, stopping the system immediately when the issue was detected,” Miller explained. “We’re working closely with all authorities to ensure a thorough review and timely repairs.”
The gondola, known simply as “The Gondola,” was a significant upgrade when it replaced the Zephyr high-speed quad chairlift in 2018. With its capacity to move up to 3,600 skiers per hour in 75 spacious cabins, it was hailed as one of the highest-capacity gondolas in the U.S.
While Saturday’s incident disrupted operations, it also highlighted the resort’s preparedness. The ski patrol’s rigorous training ensured a seamless evacuation without injuries.
“This kind of thing doesn’t happen often, but when it does, we’re ready,” said ski patrol lead Jason Carter. “Our team drilled for this exact scenario, and that preparation made all the difference.”
With repairs underway, resort officials couldn’t confirm when the gondola would be operational again. Guests are being redirected to other lifts among the resort’s 23 options, including high-speed six-packs and quads.
“It’s a tough situation, but we’re grateful everyone is safe,” Miller said. “We’ll keep our visitors updated as we work to bring The Gondola back online.”
This event, though rare, serves as a reminder of the complexities behind maintaining large-scale lift systems at ski resorts. For Winter Park’s staff and visitors, it’s an experience that underscores the importance of safety, preparation, and resilience.
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