In a startling incident at New Hampshire's picturesque Attitash Mountain Resort, a man experienced a harrowing fall of approximately 20 feet after a mechanical failure caused his ski lift chair to dislodge. Local authorities have confirmed that the man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was conscious at the time emergency responders reached the scene.
According to the state fire marshal's office, the accident occurred around 12:15 p.m. on Sunday. Eyewitnesses recounted the swift response of the ski patrol, who transported the man to a nearby hospital using a secure backboard and neck brace to prevent further injury. The prompt medical attention and strategic support ensured that his injuries remained manageable.
The unsettling event has drawn attention to the safety protocols of ski resorts, highlighting the inherent risks associated with such outdoor activities. The Flying Bear lift, where the incident occurred, has been closed pending a thorough investigation by the state's fire marshal's office and the Passenger Tramway Safety Board. The preliminary findings suggest that a mechanical malfunction was responsible for the chair's unexpected dislodgment.
The Attitash Mountain Resort, owned by the Colorado-based company Vail Resorts, has a reputation for its rigorous safety checks, with daily inspections of all ski lifts. Despite these precautions, skier David Gunzburger expressed concern, describing the incident as a nightmare scenario for regular visitors. He witnessed the emergency evacuation firsthand and shared his apprehensions with local media.
Gunzburger stated, I’m there a lot, and it's kind of scary. The worst possible situation. His observations underscore the importance of maintaining stringent safety measures in environments that attract significant public footfall, especially during peak skiing seasons.
The incident at the Attitash Mountain Resort serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of mechanical systems, even those subjected to routine safety evaluations. As the investigation continues, both authorities and visitors alike are hopeful for enhancements in ski lift safety that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the resort community assesses the repercussions of this event, it is anticipated that lessons learned will contribute to better safety practices and policies, not only at Attitash but across ski resorts nationwide. In the meantime, regular patrons and newcomers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any anomalies they might observe during their recreational activities.