Two snow riders rescued after being caught on chairlifts

Two people had to be rescued after they got tangled and were left hanging from chairlifts earlier this week.

A man’s backpack somehow got caught in a chairlift at a Colorado ski resort, and the man was left hanging off the lift unconscious.

Mickey Wilson, a friend of the man, was in the next chair behind him when it happened.

Wilson said he used a knife to free his friend; and a rescue team on the ground started CPR.

Last Sunday, Mt. Bachelor crews had to rescue a snowboarder who was dangling by his arm on the Sunrise Accelerator.

Mt. Bachelor officials said the snowboard on the chairlift got a piece of his jacket caught in the lift seat, causing him to get stuck.

The snowboarder was stuck for several minutes before crews were able to free him by reversing the chairlift.

“All of Mt. Bachelor’s detachable chairlifts are specifically designed to operate forward and reverse,” said resort spokesman Drew Jackson. “So in situations like this, we have two rescue options. We can lower the person down with a rope or can put the lift in reverse.”

Dan Ward was enjoying the slopes Friday and always uses the safety bar on the chairlift.

Ward said it’s safer — and also it’s a great way to rest your legs.

Mt. Bachelor encourages snow riders to carry their belongings on their lap while going up the chairlift.

“We post a lot of signs, especially for the loading area of the lift, and it’s really easy to just ignore those signs,” Jackson said. “But you know, every once in a while, just make sure you read through those signs, Because it really does give some important information that folks should know.”