There is a specific feeling every ski parent knows: the lift slows to a halt, the chair starts to sway gently, and you hold your breath, hoping it kicks back into gear within thirty seconds. Usually, it does. But sometimes, it doesn’t.
This past weekend at Dartmouth Skiway in New Hampshire, families faced the latter scenario in what sounds like a very intense situation. Due to a mechanical malfunction in frigid conditions, the lift stopped completely, necessitating a full-scale rope evacuation for dozens of skiers and riders.
The Rescue Operation
According to reports, 59 guests were stranded on the chairlift. If you’ve ever been stuck on a lift for even ten minutes in freezing temperatures, you know how quickly the cold sets in when you stop moving. Now imagine being up there for over an hour.
Local emergency crews, including the Lyme Fire Department, Hanover and Thetford Fire, and local police, rushed to the scene to assist the Dartmouth Ski Patrol. It was a massive, cohesive effort. Using technical rope rescue techniques, they managed to lower every single passenger to the ground safely within 90 minutes.
While the vast majority of guests were warmed up at the lodge and cleared of cold-weather injuries, one individual was unfortunately transported to a local hospital for treatment. As a mom, my heart goes out to that person and their family, and we are all hoping for a swift and full recovery.
Why This Matters for Families
We often talk about skiing as a sport of movement, but incidents like this remind us that we need to dress for the stoppages, not just the runs. When you are skiing with little ones, their bodies lose heat much faster than ours.
This incident is a sobering reminder of why we nag our kids about zipping up coats and wearing proper layers, even when they say they're "too hot" in the lift line. It’s also a testament to the incredible training of our Ski Patrols. These men and women train tirelessly for exactly this worst-case scenario so that when it happens, they can execute a complex evacuation safely and efficiently before dark.
My Family's "Just In Case" Pocket Kit
While we can't control mechanical issues, we can control what's in our pockets. Since reading about this, I've refreshed the mental checklist of what I keep in my jacket (and my kids' pockets) specifically for unexpected stops:
- Emergency Sweets: I always keep a small supply of "emergency chocolate" or energy chews. If we are stuck, a little sugar goes a long way in keeping morale up and internal furnaces burning.
- Hand Warmers: I don't just put them in gloves in the morning; I keep a fresh, sealed pair in an internal pocket. If we get stuck, cracking those open can make a huge difference.
- The "Wiggle Game": We teach the kids that if the lift stops, we wiggle toes and fingers constantly. It keeps the blood flowing and distracts from the height.
A Huge Thank You to First Responders
The Lyme Fire Chief, Aaron Rich, praised the operation as an "impressive cohesive effort," and rightly so. Evacuating nearly 60 people via rope in freezing temps in under two hours is no small feat.
To the Dartmouth Ski Patrol and all the assisting agencies: thank you for keeping our mountain communities safe. And to the skier currently recovering, we are sending you our warmest thoughts.
Stay safe out there, friends, and maybe give your local patroller a high-five next time you see them.
Source: Unofficial Networks
