Industry News
Winter Park Ski Patrol conducted a significant rescue operation Saturday afternoon, safely evacuating 150 to 175 people from the resort’s gondola after an “operational malfunction,” reports the Colorado Sun.
Using ropes and ladders, rescuers assisted stranded riders by lowering them to the ground or guiding them down from lift towers. The gondola stopped functioning shortly after noon, and four hours later, the rescue effort was still underway. Some online commenters claimed it took over five hours to be rescued. Those rescued were offered a $10 coupon for Winter Park Resort.
- Related: Winter Park Resort, CO, Offers Update on Masterplan That Includes Gondola Connecting Resort to Town
Fortunately, ski patrol was prepared for the rescue due to its extensive training in similar situations, and no injuries were reported. Other lifts across the resort were reportedly shut down to free up staff to assist with the rope evacuation.
Initial reports that the malfunction was caused by a cracked piece of metal on a lift tower were later confirmed by Winter Park Public Relations and Communication Manager Jen Miller, who told the Sky-Hi News, “That is the source of the malfunction. We’re not sure why the part failed and are investigating that.”
The Gondola, which replaced the Zephyr high-speed quad in 2018, was one of the highest-capacity lifts in the U.S. at the time, capable of transporting up to 3,600 skiers per hour in its 75 cabins. It was the first time the gondola had ever had this problem, and it functioned as designed by stopping once the issue occurred, ensuring rider safety.
My wife spent 3.5 hours stuck in a gondola
byu/UnethicalTesticle inmildlyinfuriating
NEW: The gondola at Winter Park broke down today and ski patrol is currently evacuating people by rope, having them repel down to the mountain
About 150-175 people had to be evacuated. Wild!
Credit: Steven Black pic.twitter.com/GMwIxg20rN
— Marc Sallinger (@MarcSallinger) December 21, 2024
Here’s me! Appreciate the $10 voucher they gave us at the end of the unexpected rappelling; you’d think after four hours they’d give you enough to cover a beer. pic.twitter.com/JISTgrJhOG
— Joe M (@notquiteavgjoe) December 22, 2024
@WinterPark ski patrol doing amazing things today on The Gondola rescuing people from each cab. pic.twitter.com/bC89wA8HYM
— Chris Larbes (@clarbes) December 21, 2024
