Red Lodge Mountain in Montana has issued a statement on chairlift safety improvements 6 months after 37-year-old Jeff Zinne of Billings died after falling from the Triple Chair. The accident was caused by a derailment of the chair during an extreme wind event known as a “snow devil” which intersected with the lift line. A snow devil a rare meteorological phenomenon that occurs when strong winds lift loose snow from the ground, creating a spinning, column-shaped vortex similar to a dust devil but composed of snow instead of dust.
Red Lodge Mountain general manager Jean Mikalus detailed the rigorous and thorough investigation in an email to their guests. Independent experts including professional weather forecasters and structural engineers were brought in to not only to repair the existing chairlift but also to add redundant safety measures.
“Specifically, the lift towers have been reinforced to further reduce deflection – the effect of wind on the towers and subsequently the haul rope. Additionally, anemometers are being installed at various elevations along the lift line to offer additional real-time recording of the wind speed on the Triple Chair. This will give lift operators more information about what is occurring along the lift line – not just at the top or bottom – to aid in lift operations decisions.”
The Triple Chair and all other chairlifts at Red Mountain Lodge have undergone rigorous third-party inspection during the off-season to ensure they meet all required Montana operating standards. Required load testing must be completed before approval for use this season by the US Forest Service. Red Mountain Lodge plans on reopening the Triple Chair for the 2025-26 season when conditions permit. The resort’s scheduled opening day in November 28th, 2025.
