Kicking Horse Resort Closed After Gondola Cabin Falls Near Base Station
Mountainwatch | News
A gondola cabin fell from the Golden Eagle Express at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia this morning, resulting in the resort suspending operations. The incident happened at 9.20am just after the cabin had left the base station when a metal arm linking the cabin to the cable snapped, the cabin falling two metres to the ground.
The 8-seater cabin was carrying passengers but there is no confirmation on how many were inside and at this stage there are no reports of serious injuries. Kicking Horse has received 25cms of fresh snow in the past 24 hours and there was a typically big powder-day crowd waiting in the lift line at the time.
Kicking Horse released a statement on its website this morning:
“At 9:20 am, an incident occurred involving a cabin at the base terminal of Golden Eagle Express gondola. Our patrol team and first responders were rapidly dispatched on scene.
Our trained maintenance team and mountain safety teams are working to unload the passengers as per standard operating procedures. A full inspection has been initiated to determinate and analyse root causes. Teams from the manufacturer and relevant authorities have been called in to further assist. No lifts will be open to the public today, the resort will be closed for the remainder of the day. Please note Golden Eagle Express gondola will remain closed until further notice.
An update will be provided later today with regards to regular operations.”
The Golden Express gondola is crucial to the resort, travelling 1066 vertical metres to an altitude of 2347m. It is one of the longest gondolas in North America and accesses 70% of Kicking Horse’s terrain, including all of the advanced expert terrain.
An investigation is under way and the resort will provide updates on re-opening at kickinghorseresort.com
