On December 23, 2024, an incident on the Comet Express chairlift at Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe resulted in five individuals being hospitalized.
The event occurred around 10 a.m. on the Nevada side of the resort. Witnesses reported that one chair slid backward, colliding with the chair behind it, causing occupants to fall approximately 30 feet onto the snow.
Emergency responders, including the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, arrived promptly, dispatching two engines and three ambulances to the scene. The injured parties were transported to a hospital in Reno, Nevada.
Heavenly Mountain Resort issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to guest safety and confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway.
The Comet Express, constructed by Doppelmayr and operational since 1988, is the resort’s oldest detachable lift. It features DS series grips, a component that has faced scrutiny in the past due to maintenance challenges.
This incident has raised concerns among the skiing community, especially considering the recent departure of experienced lift maintenance personnel from the resort. Discussions have emerged about the potential need for equipment upgrades and the importance of adhering to maintenance protocols to ensure guest safety.
We invite our readers, especially those in the El Dorado County area, to share their thoughts and experiences regarding this incident. How do you feel about the safety measures at our local ski resorts? What steps do you believe should be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future? Your insights are valuable to our community discussion.
