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New York Inspectors: Ski Lift Accident On Our Slopes Is Unlikely

On Tuesday, eight people were seriously injured at Sugarloaf Ski Resort after strong winds caused a double chairlift to derail and fall an estimated 30 feet. The ski lift in question was on schedule to be replaced because of its weaknesses against serious weather conditions, and an initial investigation into the injuries and accidents has revealed that strong wind was likely the cause of the collapse.

Now, New York safety officials are concerned that a similar accident could take place at one of New York State’s sixty-seven ski areas. However, a spokesperson from the New York Labor Department reassured ski enthusiasts across the state that a number of different safety measures were in place to ensure that skiers are safe on ski lifts.

Ski lifts in New York are regularly inspected by a number of different organizations and companies, and one ski slope managers explained that so many safety measures are in place that an accident like the one that occurred in Sugarloaf was not likely in New York. First, ski resort managers ride the lifts each morning in order to look for problems and make certain that the operation is ready for skiers. Next, the liability insurance provider for the mountain also sends its own inspectors to the lifts regularly in order to protect their own interests. In addition, the chair lift manufacturer and maintenance provider also visits the mountains regularly to maintain and inspect their equipment.

In addition, the NY Labor Department sends out 12 inspectors to all 67 ski resorts each season – both before the ski season begins and throughout the winter. During those inspections, chair lifts, chair cables, and “all moving parts” are inspected and written up if there is an issue.

Also, the manager at Gore Mountain in New York said that the resort will be closed at any signs of dangerous weather – the ski lifts were closed on Monday, for example, because of high winds. 

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