Red Lodge Mountain, a popular ski area in Montana, was the scene of a tragic accident on Monday when a skier fell from a malfunctioning chairlift. The victim, identified as 37-year-old Jeffrey Zinne, was riding alone in a three-person chair on the Triple Chairlift when the incident occurred.
Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries the following night at a Billings hospital. The accident has raised concerns about the safety of chairlifts, especially during harsh weather conditions, and has prompted an investigation into the exact circumstances that led to the fall.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place just before noon on Monday at Red Lodge Mountain, which is located in the Beartooth Mountains, southeast of Billings. Jeffrey Zinne was alone on the Triple Chairlift when he fell from an unspecified height due to an ongoing mechanical problem with the lift.
Authorities, including Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan, confirmed that he was transported to a Billings hospital, where he unfortunately passed away the next night.
According to Red Lodge Mountain spokesperson Troy Hawks, the lift had been experiencing a mechanical problem at the time of the accident.
However, Hawks refrained from providing specific details about the malfunction, citing an ongoing investigation. Investigators are currently assessing various factors, including the weather conditions at the time and the victim’s actions before the fall.
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The Triple Chairlift, which was built in 1983, extends nearly a mile (1.6 kilometers) up the mountain. It will remain out of operation until an engineer conducts a thorough assessment of its mechanical integrity and safety features.
— Red Lodge Mountain (@RedLodgeMntn) March 11, 2025
In the wake of the incident, ski patrollers conducted an emergency evacuation of over 100 skiers who were still on the lift when the accident occurred. Using ropes, they carefully lowered each person to the ground to prevent further mishaps.
Weather Conditions and Ski Lift Safety
The accident at Red Lodge Mountain occurred under severe weather conditions. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts in the area were recorded at approximately 50 mph (80.4 kph) both shortly before and after the accident.
Due to the high winds, some other chairlifts at the resort had been shut down earlier in the day. However, the Triple Chairlift remained in operation, as resort officials claimed it was functioning within safety parameters.
Wind and weather conditions are crucial factors in chairlift safety. Strong winds can cause chairs to sway excessively, making it difficult for skiers to maintain balance. Additionally, mechanical issues in high winds can exacerbate safety risks, potentially leading to falls or lift failures.
Ski resorts are typically required to adhere to strict safety regulations, including shutting down lifts when wind speeds exceed safe operating thresholds. However, the specific wind conditions that dictate closure policies can vary by resort.
Ski lifts are generally considered a safe mode of transportation on the slopes, but mechanical failures do occur. According to the National Ski Areas Association, there have been 35 fatal accidents involving chairlifts and aerial ropeways in the United States from 1956 to 2024.
Of these, 16 deaths were linked to mechanical malfunctions. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety inspections.
One of the most recent fatal chairlift accidents before this incident occurred in 2020 at Colorado’s Vail resort, where a man died after his clothing became entangled in part of the chairlift, cutting off his ability to breathe. The tragedy underscored the potential hazards of chairlift use, even when no apparent mechanical failure is involved.
Investigations and Safety Concerns
Following the accident, an investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of Zinne’s fall. Officials will examine the mechanical issue that affected the Triple Chairlift and assess whether any negligence or oversight contributed to the accident. The resort has pledged full cooperation with investigators and assured the public that safety remains a top priority.
One key aspect of the investigation will be analyzing whether Red Lodge Mountain’s decision to keep the Triple Chairlift operational despite high winds was appropriate.
The fact that other lifts had been shut down raises questions about whether wind conditions played a role in the incident. Investigators will likely review maintenance records, inspection logs, and operational policies to determine if any lapses in protocol occurred.
In response to the tragedy, ski safety advocates are emphasizing the importance of chairlift maintenance and rider awareness. Regular inspections, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and timely mechanical repairs are critical in ensuring the safety of skiers and snowboarders.
Additionally, skiers are advised to remain seated properly, avoid unnecessary movement, and be aware of weather conditions when using chairlifts.
The ski community has expressed its condolences to Jeffrey Zinne’s family and friends. Red Lodge Mountain, known for its challenging terrain and scenic slopes, has been a beloved destination for winter sports enthusiasts. However, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with skiing and the importance of prioritizing safety on the slopes.
While chairlift fatalities are rare, they do happen, and this accident will likely prompt further discussions on ski resort safety regulations.
It remains to be seen whether the investigation will lead to changes in Red Lodge Mountain’s operational policies or if broader safety reforms will be recommended across the industry. For now, skiers and snowboarders are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about lift operations when enjoying the slopes.