California Ski Lift Scare: 12-Year-Old Girl Falls After Dangling From Chairlift, Walks Away Without Major Injuries
CALIFORNIA — A terrifying ski lift incident unfolded in California after a 12-year-old girl was seen dangling from a chairlift while crews below scrambled to prepare a safe landing area. The girl ultimately fell to the ground, reportedly missing most of the safety net that had been positioned to catch her.
Despite the frightening drop, the girl reportedly walked away without broken bones or major injuries, according to the details provided.
What Witnesses Say Happened On the Lift
The incident involved a young snowboarder who appeared to be hanging onto the ski lift as it moved. Video from the scene shows first responders and resort staff gathering below and preparing padding and safety netting in an attempt to reduce the risk of serious harm if she fell.
The situation drew urgent attention as crews worked quickly to get protection in place before the girl could no longer hold on.
The Fall and the Missed Net
After crews positioned padding and the safety net, the girl plunged to the ground. According to the details shared, she missed most of the safety net, which increased concern about how severe her injuries might be.
Even so, the outcome was described as remarkable: she did not suffer broken bones or major injuries and was able to walk away.
What’s Still Unclear
Key information has not been confirmed in the details provided, including:
- The specific ski resort or exact location in California
- How the girl ended up dangling from the lift
- Whether the incident involved a mechanical issue, a seating problem, or another factor
- What follow-up safety review may be conducted by the resort
Why Ski Lift Incidents Draw National Attention
Ski lift emergencies are rare, but when they happen they tend to raise immediate questions about safety procedures, operator response, and how quickly staff can react in a fast-moving scenario. In this case, the details suggest crews attempted to protect the girl with padding and netting, even though the fall did not land fully in the net.
What do you think ski resorts should do to prevent situations like this — and should lift safety rules change for kids and first-time riders? Share your thoughts with us, and keep reading NapervilleLocal.com for more updates.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.