Chairlift Collapse at Spain's Astún Ski Resort Leaves Dozens Injured

Major Chairlift Failure at Spanish Ski Resort Leads to Mass Casualty Incident

A catastrophic chairlift collapse at Astún Ski Resort in northern Spain has left more than 30 people injured, with nine in critical condition and eight others seriously hurt, according to the Aragon regional government. The incident occurred on January 18 at the resort's Canal Roya lift.

The failure appears to have stemmed from a support cable problem that caused the bullwheel to detach from the top station. Emergency services rushed to evacuate approximately 80 people who were stranded on the lift, with helicopters deployed to assist in both rescue operations and medical transport.

The affected lift, Canal Roya, is a four-person fixed-grip chairlift manufactured by REAC Group. Installed in 1989, the lift operates between 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) and 2,128 meters (6,960 feet) in elevation, with a typical journey time of 6 minutes and an hourly capacity of 2,400 riders. It represents one of four chairlifts serving the resort.

A view down the line of the broken chairlift. Credit: X @AEGC Aragon

Jorge Azcon, governor of the Aragon region, along with councillor Bermúdez de Castro, are heading to the resort to evaluate the situation personally.

Astún Ski Resort, located in the Aragón Valley of the Spanish Pyrenees near the French border, typically provides access to 50 kilometres of terrain when connected with neighbouring Candanchú. The resort operates at elevations between 1,650 and 2,300 meters, featuring 15 lifts that serve varied terrain for all skill levels. The resort maintains reliable conditions through artificial snowmaking and typically operates from December through April.

This incident has prompted immediate safety concerns and investigations. Emergency services continue to manage the situation as more details emerge about the cause of the collapse.

The bullwheel at the top station lying next to the tower. Credit: X @PlinioElGuapo

The Pyrenean location of Astún places it at a strategic crossroads for both Spanish and French skiing. The resort sits just minutes from the French border, making it part of a broader network of ski destinations in the region. Three major French resorts lie within day-trip distance: Gourette (65 kilometres northeast), Cauterets (80 kilometres north), and La Mongie (90 kilometres north), each reachable within a two to three-hour drive.

The resort's closest neighbour, Candanchú, lies just 3 kilometres away and shares a combined lift pass system with Astún. This partnership gives skiers and riders access to one of the largest ski areas in the Spanish Pyrenees. The historic town of Jaca, located 33 kilometres from the resort, serves as the region's cultural and accommodation hub, offering visitors additional lodging options, restaurants, and après-ski activities.

Access to Astún is facilitated by the N-330 highway and the Somport Tunnel, making it readily accessible for both domestic and international visitors. The resort's base area provides essential amenities including equipment rental facilities, ski school operations, and multiple dining venues. Its ski-in/ski-out accommodations have made it particularly popular among Spanish and French skiers seeking weekend getaways.

The resort's position in the Aragón Valley benefits from reliable snowfall patterns and modern snowmaking systems, which typically maintain good conditions on key runs throughout the winter season