140 passengers safely evacuated through the precipitous terrain after Chair 5 lift stopped

Monday, December 31, 2018

About 140 passengers were evacuated after a lift at Whitefish Mountain Resort was stopped due to mechanical issues on Saturday. It took about 2.5 hours to evacuate about 140 passengers. Ski patrol used ropes, cables, harnesses to lower people down safely through the precipitous terrain.

It is reported that around 12:15 p.m., the East Rim/Chair 5 lift at Whitefish Mountain Resort was stopped due to an issue will the chairlift’s bullwheel liner. Lift Maintenance teams swing into action to get the lift repaired and the passengers rescued. The passengers were communicated immediately about the situation. Ski Patrol responded instantaneously to get in position for a possible lift evacuation.

At about 1:00 p.m., the Ski patrol teams began the process of getting the passengers safely to the ground. The passengers were being constantly communicated about the issues and evacuation process. The hand warmers, blankets and warm drinks were made available.

There were no injuries.  At the time of the incident, there were high winds blowing at 10 miles per hour. The last passenger was evacuated at 3:37 p.m. All passengers are safe.

Chair 5, is popularly referred to as the East Rim chairlift. It was installed in 2017 and tracks up the steep cliff bands. The lift was moved from its old location in Ptarmigan Bowl.

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