Vermont’s ski mountains are among the most beautiful in the world—home to world-class terrain, legendary snowfall, and thousands of visiting skiers every season. With mountains like Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, Jay Peak, Stratton, Burke, and Smugglers’ Notch, our state thrives on winter sports. But with that popularity comes risk, and one of the most overlooked dangers on the slopes involves something we use every run: the chairlift.
Chairlifts are incredibly safe when properly maintained and operated. But accidents happen—some due to mechanical issues, some due to operator error, and others caused by inadequate safety procedures or negligence. As a law firm representing injured skiers and snowboarders throughout Vermont, we see the impact these accidents can have on individuals and families.
Understanding chairlift safety is essential—not only to stay safe, but to know your rights if something goes wrong.
Below we break down what causes most chairlift accidents, how to protect yourself, signs of negligence, and what to do if you or your child is injured.
Why Chairlift Safety Matters More Than Ever
Chairlift incidents don’t happen often, but when they do, the injuries can be life-changing. Falls can lead to:
Traumatic brain injuries
Fractures (especially pelvis, spine, arms, legs)
Shoulder dislocations
Internal injuries
Psychological trauma—especially for children
And while ski resorts often emphasize rider responsibility, many accidents stem from preventable failures on the part of the mountain or the lift operator.
Common Causes of Chairlift Accidents in Vermont
1. Operator Error
Lift operators must be trained, alert, and prepared to stop the lift when a rider is at risk. Common operator-related causes include:
Failure to slow or stop the lift for children or beginners
Inadequate instruction at loading zones
Distracted or inattentive operators
Not helping riders who clearly need assistance
Failure to maintain safe spacing between chairs
When resorts fail to properly train or supervise lift operators, they put every rider at risk.
2. Mechanical Failures
Chairlift equipment must be inspected and maintained according to strict safety standards. Mechanical issues may include:
Malfunctioning restraints
Sudden stops or jerks
Misaligned chairs during loading
Slipping grips
Cable or pulley defects
When these failures happen, they are almost always preventable.
3. Failure to Maintain Loading and Unloading Areas
Most accidents occur at the loading and unloading zones. Serious hazards include:
Excessive ice buildup
Slopes too steep for safe loading
Unmarked hazards
Inadequate staffing at busy lift times
Poor signage
If you have seen chaotic or unsafe lift loading areas, you’re not alone—these are clear risk factors.
4. Negligent Crowd Management
Holiday weekends, race days, and powder mornings can create dangerous congestion. When resorts do not adequately manage queuing, spacing, and loading assistance, the risk of accidents rises dramatically.
How Skiers Can Protect Themselves on Chairlifts
While mountains have a duty to keep lifts safe, skiers can take steps to protect themselves:
Use the Safety Bar
Vermont requires resorts to install and maintain safety bars, but many riders still don’t use them. Always lower the bar and make sure children do too.
Prepare Early
Have poles, backpacks, hair, and clothing secured before you enter the loading zone.
Speak Up
If something feels wrong—like a misaligned chair or icy platform—notify staff immediately.
Assist Children or Beginners
If skiing with a child, make sure:
They sit all the way back
They lower the bar
They know not to wiggle or turn around
They wait until the operator instructs riders to raise the bar
When the Mountain May Be at Fault
You may have a valid ski-injury claim if the resort:
Failed to train or supervise lift operators
Ignored maintenance warnings
Allowed icy or unsafe loading zones
Didn’t assist young or disabled riders
Failed to stop the lift when needed
Violated Vermont’s tramway regulations
Under Vermont law, ski resorts have a legal duty to maintain chairlifts in a reasonably safe condition and follow tramway safety rules. When they fail in that duty, and someone is injured, the resort may be responsible for the resulting damages.
What to Do if You’re Injured on a Chairlift in Vermont
If you or your child is hurt on a chairlift, take these steps:
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Report the accident immediately and request ski patrol.
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Get names of any witnesses, especially lift operators.
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Photograph the area, including the lift, ice, signs, or hazards.
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Save your lift ticket or season pass—it can matter for evidence.
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Seek medical treatment right away even if injuries seem minor.
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Contact a Vermont ski-injury attorney before signing anything from the resort or insurance company.
Ski resorts often move quickly to protect themselves. You should have someone protecting you too.
We Help Injured Skiers Across Vermont
At ForInjuredSkiers.com, our practice focuses exclusively on helping skiers and snowboarders injured on Vermont mountains. We understand the ski industry, the lift systems, the tramway regulations, and how to build strong cases for injured athletes and families.
If you were hurt on a chairlift—or your child was—reach out for a free consultation. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
