Industry News
Every skier’s worst nightmare came true for some at the weekend when a chairlift malfunctioned and went into a rollback for over a minute before staff could stop it.
At Bears Town Ski Resort in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, South Korea, the lift stopped suddenly at 3 pm on Friday before the chairs began sliding backward.
Skiers and riders on the chair jumped to safety as the chairs approached the terminal.
Thankfully no one was seriously injured. A seven-year-old was treated for bruises caused by jumping.
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Once staff stopped the rollback 100 people remained on the chairs, many stuck for over two hours before being rescued.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident. The Korea Transpiration Safety Authority is checking the condition of all other lifts in the resort, according to a Bears Town communications official.
“It is still unclear what caused the accident and the resort will cooperate with the police.”
– Resort spokesperson
Details on compensation have yet to be announced, but the resort is actively collecting information on any injuries and damages and is issuing refunds to those who hold a season pass for any who wish to do so.
“We sincerely apologize to everyone who suffered damages from the lift accident and their families, and we apologize to everyone who was shocked with the news. We will work with the related authorities to do a safety check and will do our best to make the resort a safe place to ski.”
– Resort statement
