SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — An inspection report released by the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee has concluded that there was no mechanical failure involved in the New Year’s Eve gondola incident at Park City Mountain, where a woman was left hanging upside down by her ski boot. The report, which aimed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unusual event, attributed the situation to a combination of a late boarding attempt and operational factors, rather than any fault in the gondola’s mechanical systems. The incident occurred on December 31, 2022, around 3 p.m., as skiers were enjoying the slopes during the holiday season. According to the findings from the state inspection, the gondola's doors, carrier, and control systems were functioning as intended at the time of the incident. The investigation revealed that the woman attempted to board the gondola after the cabin doors had already started closing. Her ski boot became trapped in the door as the gondola continued to move, carrying her outside the loading terminal before operators were able to stop the lift. Park City Mountain employees acted quickly to assist the woman, using a ladder to safely free her foot from the door and lower her back to the ground. Fortunately, she did not sustain any injuries during the incident. In a statement following the event, Park City Mountain spokesperson John Kanaly praised the resort's staff for their rapid response. “Thanks to the quick action by our teams, no injuries were sustained and the gondola resumed operations within five minutes,” Kanaly stated, emphasizing the effectiveness of the resort's safety protocols. The Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee classified the incident as a reportable passenger ropeway incident due to the potential for serious injury. However, the inspectors found no mechanical defects in the gondola system itself. Under Utah state regulations, ski resorts are required to maintain strict control over loading areas to prevent unsafe actions by passengers. While the gondola at Park City Mountain met the design and safety requirements outlined in the ANSI B77.1 standards, the report identified operational safety issues as the primary cause of the mishap. The state inspection did not result in any enforcement action against Park City Mountain, but it has prompted an ongoing comprehensive review of the gondola's design, setup, and operational practices. Such reviews are typically standard procedure following incidents, serving to enhance safety measures and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. Similar incidents in the past have led to assessments of loading procedures, operator training, and terminal safety protocols. Officials from the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee reiterated the importance of passenger compliance with loading instructions and the role of lift operators in preventing unsafe actions. They emphasized that gondola systems are inherently safe when all parties adhere to established safety guidelines. As such, the incident has sparked discussions about enhancing training for lift operators and further educating passengers on safe boarding practices. While the report has provided clarity on the specific incident, it has also raised broader questions about safety practices at ski resorts. The tourism industry, particularly during peak seasons, faces increased scrutiny regarding operational safety and passenger well-being. As ski resorts like Park City Mountain continue to welcome large numbers of visitors, the importance of rigorous safety protocols cannot be overstated. As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance safety, Park City Mountain indicated that they would be reviewing their training and operational procedures. The resort is committed to ensuring that incidents like this do not occur in the future and that guests can enjoy their experiences without concern. In conclusion, this incident, while alarming, has resulted in a thorough investigation that confirms the gondola’s mechanical integrity. The focus now shifts to operational practices and continued vigilance in safety measures to ensure the well-being of all guests at ski resorts across Utah. With ski season in full swing, both officials and resort management are keen to maintain a safe environment for skiers and snowboarders alike, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between guests and staff to uphold safety standards.