What to Do if You’re Stuck on a Chairlift in Steamboat, Winter Park, or Vail
Chairlift malfunctions at Colorado ski resorts, including Steamboat Ski Resort, Winter Park Resort, and Vail Mountain can be frightening. Whether the ski lift stops suddenly or a mechanical failure leaves you suspended mid-air, knowing what to do can protect your safety and your legal rights.
As a Colorado ski lift injury lawyer helping clients throughout the Rockies, I’ve seen how even rare mechanical issues, operator errors, and maintenance failures can lead to serious chairlift injuries.
Below is a guide to follow if you’re ever stuck on a chairlift.
Stay Calm and Stay Seated
When a chairlift stops whether from a mechanical issue, wind, or skier loading error, please remain seated. Sudden movements, standing up, or attempting to jump can cause severe injuries including:
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Falls from height
Most chairlift stops at Steamboat, Winter Park, and Vail are routine and resolve within minutes.
Listen for Instructions from Ski Patrol or Lift Operators
Resort personnel are trained to handle chairlift malfunctions safely and efficiently.
You may hear updates from:
- Loudspeakers
- Lift operators
- Ski patrol
- Emergency responders (in more serious cases)
Follow instructions closely since they are trained for ski lift evacuations and emergency procedures.
Keep Yourself Warm While You Wait
If the delay lasts longer than expected:
- Zip up your jacket
- Pull down goggles or face coverings
- Keep gloves on
- Stay as still as possible to conserve heat
Cold exposure can increase the risks of frostbite and hypothermia, especially on higher-elevation lifts in Vail or Winter Park.
Understand Ski Lift Rescue Procedures
In rare cases where the lift cannot restart, ski patrol may initiate a rope evacuation using specialized harnesses.
Factors that affect rescue time include:
- Wind conditions
- Height of the lift
- Terrain under the chair
- Number of stranded passengers
Sometimes, ski patrol may need support from local fire departments or technical rescue teams.
After You’re Safe: Document Everything
If you were injured due to a chairlift malfunction, operator negligence, or improper maintenance, documenting the incident is crucial.
Collect:
- Time and location of the malfunction
- Chair number
- Names of witnesses
- Photos or videos
- Any statements made by ski patrol or lift operators
- Your symptoms or injuries
This information can be critical in a ski lift injury claim.
Contact a Colorado Ski Lift Injury Lawyer
If you suffered an injury at:
- Steamboat Ski Resort
- Winter Park Resort
- Vail Mountain
- Or any Colorado ski area
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Brown Law Firm handles chairlift injury claims, ski resort negligence, and ski lift malfunction cases across Colorado. We understand the state’s ski liability laws and how to hold resorts accountable when preventable injuries occur.
Call the Brown Law Firm today to discuss your options and understand your rights after a ski lift accident.
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