Skier left dangling 65 feet above slopes in Big Bear Lake

Chairlift malfunction leaves skier suspended in midair for over an hour

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A skier at the Big Bear Mountain Resort in California was left hanging 65 feet above the slopes after a chairlift malfunction on Saturday. The unidentified skier was stranded for over an hour before being safely rescued by resort staff.

Why it matters

Chairlift malfunctions and skier safety are major concerns at ski resorts, with several high-profile incidents in recent years. This incident highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and equipment maintenance to prevent such dangerous situations.

The details

According to witnesses, the chairlift stopped abruptly, leaving the skier suspended in midair. Resort staff immediately initiated emergency protocols, working to safely retrieve the skier using a cherry picker and harness. The skier was eventually lowered to the ground without serious injury, though the ordeal lasted over an hour.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 25, 2026 at the Big Bear Mountain Resort.

The players

Big Bear Mountain Resort

A ski resort located in Big Bear Lake, California that features multiple chairlifts and ski runs.

Unidentified skier

A skier who was left dangling from a chairlift 65 feet above the slopes at the Big Bear Mountain Resort.

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What they’re saying

“It was a terrifying situation to witness. The skier was just hanging there, not knowing if they would fall at any moment.”

— Samantha Wilkins, Eyewitness (Instagram)

What’s next

The resort has launched a full investigation into the chairlift malfunction to determine the cause and ensure it does not happen again.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and equipment maintenance at ski resorts to protect the wellbeing of skiers and snowboarders.