Ski Lift Accident Injures 10 People in Georgia | Backwards Malfunction

It was a wonderful ski day on the plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia at the Gudauri Ski Resort, until a malfunction caused ski lift backwards motion at high speed to fling skiers from their chairs.

The chair lift accident occurred when the broken ski lift was put into reverse gear by the mountain staff, which made the machine malfunction wildly.

The full video below shows the mayhem, viewer discretion is advised :

Some skiers and snowboarders managed a ski lift jump evactuation just in time. While other people hung on for dear life until they reached the bottom, where they were the thrown violently through the air and smashed by the next chairs flying down the line. There have been various gondola accident in the past, but nothing quite as bizarre as this.

At least one skier appeared to be caught on the ground near the chairs' lowest point, where a stack of deformed metal chairs would certainly later on collect as they banged right into one that had fallen off the cord.

Throughout, howling observers can be heard pleading for the lift to be quit.

10 people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

Georgia's Gudari Resort - run by the Mountain Resorts Development Company stated that injured skiers have been taken to the resort's medical facility.

Ski patrol and 3 ambulance crew team and ski patrol staff were summoned to the chair lift accident area as immediate emergency, the resort said.

The ski lift was manufactured by Doppelmayr Garaventa who have been contacted by the Georgia mountain ski resort in regards to a full investigation and the main reason this chair lift malfunction incident occurred.

Conclusion

Ski lifts are a convenient and efficient way to get from the bottom of the mountain to the top, but they can be dangerous if not operated correctly. Ski lift accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including mechanical failure, operator error, weather, or overcrowding. It is important to follow all safety guidelines when using ski lifts, such as not jumping off the lift while it is in motion and wearing a safety harness.

People Also Ask

How common are chairlift accidents?

Chairlift accidents are not as common as one might think. Ski resorts take safety very seriously and take steps to ensure a safe ride. Ski lift operators are trained and certified, and they are required to perform daily inspections of the lifts. The ski lifts also have several safety features such as emergency stop buttons, emergency brakes, and a clear view of the entire lift line. Additionally, many ski resorts have a ski patrol team on the mountain to help with any issues and to ensure the safety of all riders.

How safe are ski lifts?

Ski lifts are generally considered to be very safe, however accidents do happen. The majority of ski lift accidents are caused by a lack of safety awareness on the part of the skier or snowboarder. Ski lift operators are responsible for ensuring that riders are aware of the safety regulations and that they are followed. This includes ensuring that the ski lift is properly maintained, that the loading and unloading areas are clearly marked, and that the chairs are properly spaced.

How long does a ski lift cable last?

Ski lift cables are designed to last for many years with proper maintenance and care. However, due to the extreme weather conditions and heavy loads of skiers, the cables can wear out quickly. Depending on the manufacturer and the type of ski lift, the cable may last between 5 to 10 years. To ensure the safety of skiers, ski lift operators must regularly inspect and maintain the cables. This includes checking for wear and tear, corrosion, and any other signs of damage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Djurdjevic          

Senior Content Creator

Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering snowboarding, skiing and trends in outdoor winter activities. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the mountains, getting out in the snow on her board, season after season, seeking wild snow adventures across the globe helps her continue to be a top expert at CSG.