State report finds no mechanical failure in Park City gondola incident that left woman hanging upside down by ski boot

Park City Mountain employees support a woman after her ski boot became trapped in the doors of a Red Pine Gondola cabin, leaving her hanging upside down near the Canyons Village loading area on New Year’s Eve. Photo: mike_novik // Instagram

"A gondola should never leave a terminal with a passenger suspended by the foot, and that outcome is not acceptable." John Gleason, Director of Public Relations UDOT

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — A inspection report by the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety committee found no mechanical failure in the Red Pine Gondola incident at Park City Mountain that left a woman hanging from a gondola cabin by her ski boot on New Year’s Eve. The report concluded that the event stemmed from a late boarding attempt and operational factors rather than a malfunction of the gondola.

“A gondola should never leave a terminal with a passenger suspended by the foot, and that outcome is not acceptable.” John Gleason, Director of Public Relations UDOT

A state inspection conducted under Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety rules found that a gondola’s doors, carrier and control systems were operating properly at the time of a recent incident at Park City Mountain. Inspectors determined the woman attempted to board the gondola after the cabin doors had begun closing, placing her foot in the doorway, where her ski boot became trapped in the doors.

The gondola continued moving and carried the woman outside the loading terminal before operators stopped the lift. Park City Mountain employees supported her and used a ladder to free her boot and lower her safely to the ground.

Inspectors classified the event as a reportable passenger ropeway incident because of the potential for serious injury. The inspection found no mechanical defects in the gondola system.

State ropeway standards require ski resorts to maintain control of loading areas and prevent unsafe passenger actions. While the gondola met design and safety requirements under ANSI B77.1, inspectors determined the incident resulted from an operational safety issue rather than equipment failure.

The report also noted that while the incident evaluation is now complete, an ongoing general review of the design, setup and operational practices for gondolas will continue.

In a statement issued after the incident, Park City Mountain spokesperson John Kanaly said the woman was not injured and credited resort employees for their response.

“Thanks to the quick action by our teams, no injuries were sustained and the gondola resumed operations within five minutes,” Kanaly said.

The inspection did not lead to enforcement action against the resort, though similar incidents can prompt reviews of loading procedures, operator training and terminal safety practices.

Officials emphasized that gondola systems operate safely when passengers follow loading instructions and lift operators can intervene before unsafe actions occur.

Gondola mishap at Park City Mountain leaves woman hanging upside down by ski boot