A video capturing the terrifying moment when chair lifts at an Italian ski resort in the Swiss Alps were twisted and turned by sudden gusts of wind went viral. The incident occurred at the Cervino Ski Paradise in Breuil-Cervinia, a popular tourist destination at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. Onlookers recorded the dramatic scene as the chairs on the lift were damaged, with at least two people still riding on them. Skier Andy Crabtree shared the video on social media, revealing that 10 chairs on the lift were taken out of service due to the damage caused by the wind.
Experienced skier Barnaby Dunning, who was caught in the chair lift during the incident, described feeling like he was in a washing machine as wind speeds reached up to 70 miles per hour. He spoke to ABC’s “Good Morning America,” recounting moments of intense panic and fear. Dunning expressed his surprise at witnessing the chair lifts rotating in a way he had never seen before, causing passengers to be thrown around violently. The skier’s experience highlights the potential dangers posed by extreme weather conditions during winter sports activities.
In response to the incident, the resort disclosed that the ski lift had been closed due to adverse weather conditions. The last skiers on the lift were on their way to the upper station when the chairs were twisted by the strong winds. Despite the frightening ordeal, all the skiers reached their destination safely, according to a statement provided by the resort. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring weather conditions and ensuring the safety of individuals engaged in outdoor activities, especially in mountainous regions prone to sudden changes in weather patterns.
The video of the chair lifts being battered by gusts of wind sparked concern among viewers, with many expressing shock at the intensity of the incident. The footage captured the chairs swaying and twisting erratically, with some appearing to be on the verge of tipping over. The harrowing scene served as a reminder of the potential risks associated with ski lifts during adverse weather conditions, prompting discussions about safety measures and protocols in place at ski resorts. The swift action taken to close the ski lift and ensure the safety of all passengers on board was commendable amidst the challenging circumstances.
The terrifying ordeal faced by skiers on the chair lift shed light on the unpredictable nature of mountain weather and the need for caution when engaging in winter sports activities. The combination of high winds and chair lifts can create hazardous situations, as demonstrated by the incident in the Swiss Alps. The experience of being caught in a rotating chair lift during strong gusts of wind left passengers shaken and fearful, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for unexpected scenarios in mountainous environments. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for skiers and snowboarders, highlighting the need for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines when navigating alpine terrain.
Ultimately, the incident at the Cervino Ski Paradise in Breuil-Cervinia serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks inherent in winter sports, particularly when faced with extreme weather conditions. The swift response of the resort staff in closing the ski lift and ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers on board prevented a potentially disastrous outcome. The video capturing the moment the chair lifts were twisted and turned by the gusts of wind serves as a stark reminder of the forces of nature at play in mountainous regions. As skiers and snowboarders continue to enjoy the thrill of alpine sports, the need for vigilance, preparedness, and adherence to safety protocols remains paramount to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.
