OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. — A young skier was airlifted to a hospital Saturday after being struck by a snowmobile at Palisades Tahoe resort. The incident occurred around noon near the Big Blue lift, a popular area for beginner skiers and snowboarders.
The child, approximately 5 years old, is a member of the resort’s Mighty Mites ski team, which includes children aged 5 to 9. While skiing, the child was hit by a snowmobile operated by resort staff. Witnesses reported that the child was dragged by the snowmobile before it stopped.
Ski Patrol responded immediately, and the child was airlifted to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for treatment of a leg injury. The resort has been in contact with the child’s family and is offering support.
The collision occurred in a heavily trafficked area where the Big Blue run intersects with several other ski routes, leading to congestion, especially during busy weekends.
An investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing. The resort has assured that the child is expected to recover.
This incident follows a recent fatality at the resort last month, where a 62-year-old skier died after crashing into a tree.
