A tranquil winter morning at the famed Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe turned into a chaotic and harrowing experience for skiers when an incident involving the Comet Express chairlift left five individuals injured and requiring hospitalization. The mishap, which occurred on Monday, December 23, 2024, around 10 a.m., prompted a swift response from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and resort staff, who worked urgently to assist those affected. The injured individuals were transported to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for treatment, though the severity of their conditions remains undisclosed. As one of the most popular resorts in the Lake Tahoe region, Heavenly Mountain Resort, operated by Vail Resorts, has drawn millions of winter sports enthusiasts over the years. However, Monday’s incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with skiing and snowboarding, even at state-of-the-art facilities with rigorous safety protocols in place.
The incident occurred on the Comet Express chairlift, one of the resort’s high-speed lifts designed to transport skiers to the upper mountain quickly. While resort officials have not disclosed the exact details of the malfunction or the chain of events leading to the injuries, early reports from witnesses and first responders suggest a mechanical failure or sudden stop that caused riders to jolt violently in their seats. Some accounts indicate that at least one chair may have detached partially, leading to panic among riders. One eyewitness, Sarah Mitchell, a regular skier at Heavenly, described the scene as chaotic. “I was on a lift nearby when I heard a loud screeching sound and then people screaming. It was terrifying. You could see some people struggling to hold on as the chairs shook violently,” she recounted. Another witness, James Reynolds, who was skiing beneath the lift when the incident occurred, added, “I saw a few people lose their balance and fall out of their chairs. Ski patrol and rescue teams were on it fast, but it was a scary moment.”
By 3 p.m., a spokesperson for Heavenly Mountain Resort issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident. “On Monday, December 23, 2024, Heavenly Mountain Resort can report that an event occurred on its Comet Express chairlift. The safety of our guests is our first priority, and we are working diligently with local authorities to understand the cause of the incident. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we are committed to providing support during this difficult time,” the statement read. However, the lack of detailed information has left many questions unanswered, fueling speculation about the nature of the malfunction and the steps being taken to prevent similar occurrences.
Heavenly Mountain Resort, part of the larger Vail Resorts portfolio, is renowned for its picturesque views of Lake Tahoe, diverse terrain, and modern infrastructure. The Comet Express chairlift, specifically, is a high-speed detachable quad lift that serves intermediate and advanced runs on the Nevada side of the resort. Chairlifts of this type are equipped with advanced safety systems designed to minimize the risk of accidents, including anti-rollback mechanisms, emergency brakes, and regular maintenance schedules. Nevertheless, chairlift incidents, while rare, are not unprecedented in the ski industry. The causes can range from mechanical failures and operational errors to extreme weather conditions or rider behavior.
This latest incident comes at a time when ski resorts nationwide are gearing up for the busy holiday season, a period that typically sees a surge in visitors eager to take advantage of prime snow conditions. For Heavenly, Monday’s accident has not only disrupted operations but also raised concerns about safety and accountability. Many in the skiing community are calling for a thorough investigation to determine what went wrong and whether any lapses in maintenance or operational protocols contributed to the mishap. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), which oversees ski lift safety in the state, is expected to launch an independent investigation into the incident.
While chairlift accidents are statistically rare—according to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the chance of a fatality on a chairlift is approximately 1 in 17 million rides—they often have a profound psychological impact on those involved and the broader community of skiers and snowboarders. The last major chairlift incident in the United States occurred in December 2017 at the Snow King Resort in Wyoming, where a malfunction resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. Such incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and regular inspections.
In the wake of the Heavenly chairlift incident, social media platforms have been flooded with messages of concern and support for the injured individuals. Many users have also shared their own experiences with chairlift mishaps, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in the ski industry. “I’ve been skiing for years, and while I trust the systems in place, this is a reminder that things can go wrong. My thoughts are with everyone affected,” wrote one Twitter user.
Skiers and snowboarders at Heavenly Mountain Resort are now grappling with a mixture of shock and apprehension. For many, the allure of the slopes is tempered by a renewed awareness of the potential risks. “I’ve been coming here for years, and this is the first time I’ve seen something like this happen,” said David Grant, a season pass holder. “It’s unsettling, but I hope the resort takes all necessary steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
As the investigation unfolds, attention will likely focus on the maintenance history of the Comet Express chairlift, the actions of lift operators at the time of the incident, and any external factors, such as weather conditions, that may have played a role. With the potential for legal ramifications and reputational damage, Heavenly Mountain Resort and its parent company, Vail Resorts, are under significant pressure to address the situation transparently and effectively.
In addition to the immediate investigation, the incident has sparked broader discussions about chairlift safety and the measures ski resorts can take to protect their guests. Some experts have suggested that resorts should consider implementing additional safety features, such as seat belts or harnesses, to reduce the risk of falls during lift malfunctions. Others have emphasized the importance of regular training for lift operators to handle emergencies effectively.
For the five individuals injured in Monday’s accident, the road to recovery may be long and challenging. While their identities have not been publicly disclosed, the community has rallied around them, offering messages of support and solidarity. Local businesses and organizations in the Lake Tahoe area are reportedly organizing fundraisers to assist with medical expenses and other needs.
As the holiday season continues, Heavenly Mountain Resort faces the dual challenge of addressing the fallout from Monday’s incident while ensuring the safety and confidence of its guests. For skiers and snowboarders planning to visit the resort in the coming weeks, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
While the investigation into the Comet Express chairlift mishap is still in its early stages, one thing is clear: the incident has left an indelible mark on the Heavenly Mountain Resort community and the broader skiing world. As details continue to emerge, the focus remains on supporting the injured individuals, learning from the incident, and taking steps to ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again.
