Industry News
A Texas man is suing Winter Park Resort and its parent companies after reportedly falling from a chairlift in March 2023, sustaining severe injuries that have left him with lasting physical impairments. The lawsuit, filed on Jan. 2, 2025, names Alterra Mountain Company U.S. Inc., Intrawest/Winter Park Operations Corporation, and a lift operator as defendants.
According to the lawsuit, Arturo Burgueno, an experienced adaptive skier using a sit-ski, fell from the Explorer Express chairlift after allegedly being improperly loaded. Burgueno’s legal team, Bloch & Chapleau, Cates, Ongert, LLC., claim the incident was caused by negligent instructions and improper handling by the resort staff.
The lawsuit details the circumstances of the incident, which occurred on March 17, 2023. Lift operator Emily Frame was reportedly the sole employee operating the lift at the time. The suit alleges that Frame instructed Burgueno to position himself behind the lift’s designated “load here” line while the chair was stopped. This, the lawsuit claims, resulted in Burgueno and his sit-ski being improperly secured.
Denver-based news station Fox 31 reports that shortly after passing the lift’s first tower, Burgueno fell, suffering what his attorney described as “catastrophic injuries.” He was hospitalized for several weeks, accruing over $1 million in medical expenses. Attorney Joseph Bloch stated in a press release, “Mr. Burgueno’s injuries have significantly impacted his quality of life, and it remains uncertain whether he will ever regain his prior physical capabilities.”
The lawsuit lists multiple claims for relief, including negligence, gross negligence, and premises liability. Specific allegations include:
- Negligence – Lift operator Emily Frame’s failure to properly load the skier.
- Negligence (Respondent Superior) – Holding Intrawest accountable for its employee’s actions.
- Negligence Per Se – Violations of safety standards by all defendants.
- Negligent Supervision/Training – Alleged failure by Intrawest to adequately train its staff.
- Gross Negligence – A claim that all defendants demonstrated extreme disregard for safety.
- Extreme and Outrageous Conduct – Allegations against Intrawest for its oversight.
- Premises Liability – A claim against Alterra Mountain Company for unsafe conditions.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. The incident has raised questions about ski lift safety and operational oversight. Burgueno’s legal team argues that both the lift operator and resort management failed to adhere to established policies, resulting in the skier’s fall.
Winter Park Resort has not yet issued a statement in response to the lawsuit. This case adds to growing scrutiny over ski lift safety, particularly for adaptive skiers who rely on specialized equipment. As the legal process unfolds, it may prompt broader discussions about operational standards and training within the ski resort industry.
