What's Happening?
On January 9, 2026, a mechanical failure on the main chairlift at Whitefish Mountain Resort, known as Chair 1 or the Big Mountain Express, led to a rope evacuation of between 150 and 200 passengers. The chairlift initially stopped at 9:55 a.m., and after
several attempts to restart it using backup systems, the resort decided to conduct a full evacuation by 11:30 a.m. Resort personnel, including ski patrol and other staff, used ropes and climbing harnesses to safely lower guests to the ground. The evacuation was completed by 1:47 p.m., with no injuries reported. The resort's response involved over 40 employees from various departments, and additional staff were called in to assist. The resort's president, Nick Polumbus, issued an apology to the guests, acknowledging the challenging conditions due to low temperatures and wind chill.
Why It's Important?
The incident at Whitefish Mountain Resort highlights the complexities and potential risks associated with high-speed detachable chairlifts, which are critical to ski resort operations. Such malfunctions can significantly impact guest safety and satisfaction, as well as the resort's reputation. The swift and effective response by the resort staff underscores the importance of having well-trained personnel and emergency protocols in place. This event also raises awareness about the need for regular maintenance and inspection of ski lift equipment to prevent similar occurrences. For the resort, maintaining customer trust and ensuring safety are paramount, as any perceived negligence could lead to a decline in visitor numbers and potential financial losses.
What's Next?
Following the incident, Whitefish Mountain Resort is focused on resolving the technical issues with Chair 1 to prevent future malfunctions. The lift maintenance team is working diligently to address the problem, with the goal of reopening the chairlift to the public soon. Guests affected by the evacuation have been offered free lift tickets for future use, and passholders can share these with friends or family. The resort is likely to review and possibly enhance its maintenance protocols and emergency response strategies to ensure guest safety and minimize disruptions. Additionally, the resort may engage in more frequent communication with guests to reassure them of the safety measures in place.
