The woman who was filmed dangling from a chairlift at Big Bear Mountain Resort in California spoke directly with NBCLA about the terrifying situation, revealing exactly how the entire event took place.
The woman, Los Angeles based boxer, model and actress Raizel Arce, was apparently attempting to do a pull up on the chairlift when she wound up stuck, dangling as high as 156 feet above the ground as the lift continued to the top terminal. Based on this interview, this wasn’t a terrifying accident, this was a case of terrible decisions leading to terrible consequences.
If you’re riding a chairlift, ride the chairlift. Attempting to do a pull up is quite possibly one of the dumbest things you can do. In my personal opinion, Big Bear should ban Arce for life and she should take the initiative to never go skiing or snowboarding again. You reap what you sow, and frankly she should be incredibly grateful that the consequences of her actions weren’t much worse.
Lift Safety Tips
- Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding, and ask for help if you need it.
- Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
- Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
- Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
- If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
- Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
- As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.
