LIAOYANG, China — A malfunctioning chairlift at a ski resort in northeastern China suddenly reversed direction las week forcing skiers to jump from their seats, according to local reports and video posted online.
Footage circulating on social media shows the chairlift at the Gongchangling Hot Spring and Ski Resort in Liaoyang, Liaoning province, moving rapidly backward in a what is called a “rollback” as staff shout warnings and tell riders to jump to safety. The lift was shut down immediately following the incident.
Resort staff said Wednesday that no injuries were reported
A chairlift rollback is when a ski lift suddenly moves backward down the line instead of continuing uphill. A rollback happens if there is a mechanical failure such as a drive motor failure, gearbox malfunction, brake system failure, improper anti-rollback device engagement. If backup systems fail to immediately engage, gravity can pull the loaded chairs backward.
Here are two more examples of chairlift rollback incidents:
Chairlift Rollback Sugarloaf Mountain 3/21/15
Chairlift Rollback at Georgia’s Gudauri Ski Resort March 2018
