Guests were stranded on a Whistler Blackcomb gondola for more than two hours on Thursday, March 14, prompting the resort to apologize.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. According to a resort spokesperson, the Blackcomb Gondola stopped operating around 4:13 p.m. due to an electrical issue. Efforts were made to clear guests from the upper line by around 5:21 p.m. At approximately 6:15 p.m., the lower line began operating again at a reduced speed, allowing guests to exit the gondola.
The last guest was fully offloaded by around 7:10 p.m. Whistler Blackcomb has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to guests, stating that safety is its top priority. A spokesperson added that the resort plans to assess and perform maintenance as needed before reopening the lift to the public.
Last weekend, a 32-year-old woman from Vancouver died in what Whistler Blackcomb called a “serious incident” at the ski resort.
According to reports, the woman became separated from an associate on Saturday and was found unresponsive by Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol. The incident occurred on the Renegade trail, described by the resort as an “advanced gladed trail” near the Catskinner Express Chairlift.