40 People Rescued After Vail Chairlift Malfunctions
This past weekend Vail Mountain had a lift malfunction as it suddenly stopped spinning. An estimated 40 guests were rescued by ski patrol using ropes and after 90 minutes all of the guests were safely on the ground.
Lift 15 or “Little Eagle” stopped around midday on Sunday for seemingly simple mechanical issues, there were reports of a loud snapping sound but the origin of the problem has not yet been confirmed. The lift was closed and remains closed until the maintenance issue can be sorted out.
While these problems are rare they do happen and lift maintenance is a hot topic among resort regulars. Vail’s ski patrol is well versed in lift rescues and does regular training to ensure that when these incidents happen guests can be safely and efficiently rescued.
While this beginner lift is shut down, there is an alternative lift servicing beginner terrain from the Golden Peak Village: Gopher Hill Lift (Lift 12).
Leave a Reply