In a dramatic rescue operation at Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire, officials successfully evacuated over 60 passengers stranded on a ski lift due to a mechanical failure. The Peabody Express Quad, a lift situated in Franconia Notch State Park and owned by the state, encountered this issue only four days after another incident occurred at a nearby ski resort.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday when 64 passengers were carefully lowered to safety in approximately two hours with the aid of ropes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although a faulty bolt was identified as the cause of the mechanical failure. In response, the lift remains closed for further inspection.
Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions, including gusty winds, have delayed a comprehensive examination of the lift, as well as limited the operations of other lifts in the area. Skiers remain cautioned as officials work to resolve the situation effectively.
This incident follows a similar occurrence at the Attitash Mountain Resort, where a man experienced non-life-threatening injuries after his lift chair detached and fell 20 feet to the ground. This happened just days before the Cannon Mountain evacuation, putting a spotlight on potential safety vulnerabilities in ski lifts.
Both lifts involved in these incidents were recently inspected according to state regulations, with the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules mandating regular evaluations. Despite these inspections, the repeat failures raise concerns over the state of ski lift infrastructure and the potential need for more stringent safety measures.
The state fire marshal's office emphasized that all ski lift inspections had been conducted within the requisite timeframe, as per the latest safety criteria. However, the consecutive malfunctions may prompt an overhaul of current inspection standards in a bid to prevent future occurrences.
Such incidents are not isolated to New Hampshire alone. In December, another significant evacuation took place at Winter Park Resort in Colorado, where over 170 skiers and snowboarders were stranded after a crack in the ski lift was discovered. Riders were successfully lowered over a meticulous five-hour rescue operation.
These events highlight a pressing need for the ski industry to reassess and potentially upgrade their safety protocols to ensure the protection of their patrons. As resorts become increasingly popular destinations, especially during peak winter seasons, ensuring the integrity of ski lifts is paramount to maintain consumer confidence and secure the future of winter sports tourism.