Winter sports enthusiasts beware, a terrifying ski lift incident at Heavenly Mountain Resort left five people hospitalized and the Tahoe community shaken. On a crisp Monday morning, what should have been a routine ski run turned into a nightmare when two chairlift chairs collided, causing multiple passengers to plummet nearly 30 feet to the ground.

Eyewitnesses painted a harrowing picture of the accident on the Comet Express chairlift. According to reports, one chair lost its grip on the cable and slid backwards, crashing into the chair behind it. The result was catastrophic: multiple skiers were violently thrown from their seats, landing hard on the unforgiving mountain terrain.

A Dramatic Rescue Unfolds

Ski patrol immediately sprang into action, deploying four rescue sleds to transport the injured. One victim was reportedly so critically wounded that they required oxygen and emergency evacuation via life flight helicopter. The seriously injured skiers were quickly transported to Renown Hospital in Reno, their ages and identities still undisclosed.

Resort Remains Tight-Lipped

Vail Resorts, the parent company of Heavenly, issued a frustratingly vague statement: “The safety of our guests is our top priority and the resort is investigating the incident”. This corporate speak did little to calm the nerves of local skiers and tourists alike, who are now questioning the safety protocols of one of Tahoe’s most popular ski destinations.

A Wake-Up Call for Mountain Safety

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in alpine sports. While ski resorts strive to maintain rigorous safety standards, accidents can and do happen. For the Tahoe community, this event underscores the importance of vigilance and the unpredictable nature of mountain recreation.

As investigations continue, skiers are left wondering about the mechanical failure that caused this terrifying incident. One thing is certain: this story will be discussed in lodge bars and ski lifts throughout the season, a chilling cautionary tale of a day on the mountain gone wrong.