Heavenly Ski Resort Chairlift Accident: Five Injured in Comet Express Collision

Major Chairlift Collision at Heavenly Resort Leads to Multiple Injuries

A significant safety incident at Heavenly Ski Resort led to five people requiring hospital treatment following a chairlift collision on December 23, 2024. The accident occurred around 10 a.m. on the resort's Comet Express lift, when one chair unexpectedly moved backward and struck another occupied chair.

The impact caused several guests to fall from their chairs, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention. All five affected individuals were transported to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for treatment. Their current conditions remain unknown.

In response to the incident, Vail Resorts spokesperson Cole Zimmerman released an official statement:

"Heavenly Mountain Resort can confirm an incident occurred on its Comet Express chairlift today, Monday, December 23, 2024. The safety of our guests is our top priority and the resort is investigating the incident."

The Comet Express, which has served skiers and riders since its installation in 1988, primarily provides access to intermediate and advanced terrain. While not the resort's main lift, its closure could impact mountain operations, potentially leading to increased wait times at the nearby Dipper Express.

This incident adds to recent lift-related challenges across North American ski resorts, including operational issues at Winter Park's gondola and Sugarbush's newly opened Heaven's Gate chairlift. Given the Comet Express's 35-year service history and this recent accident, discussions about potential lift replacement may be forthcoming.

The aging lift's status remains uncertain as resort officials conduct their investigation into the cause of the collision. Updates on both the injured guests and the lift's operational status are expected as more information becomes available.