High winds impact mountain bike park chairlift in Poland.
High winds impact mountain bike park chairlift in Poland.

Downhill mountain biking can be an incredibly dangerous sport, with the risk of injury following crashes much higher than many other activities and biking disciplines. Usually you expect those risks to be most present when you’re actually riding the bike, though, not when you’re sitting on the chairlift on the way up the mountain.

This footage from mountain biker Janek Domagalski appears to have been captured at the Złoty Groń ski and bike resort in Poland. While riding the chairlift to the top of the mountain, several high gusts of wind caused the chair to rock and swing back and forth and managed to knock down a part of a tree, nearly hitting the chairlift cable.

That high wind likely means the biking wasn’t much fun either. It certainly puts hitting any sort of jump off limits, as even the slightest bit of wind can seriously impact a mountain biker’s airtime and landing. The good news is it appears nobody got hurt throughout the situation.

About Złoty Groń

Złoty Groń in Poland’s Silesian Beskids offers a dedicated bike park experience built around professionally prepared trails, scenic landscapes, and accessible mountain recreation. During the 2026 cycling season, the resort is welcoming riders with a network designed for a wide range of abilities, from beginners discovering off-road riding to experienced cyclists seeking technical challenges and fast descents.

The Złoty Groń Airduro Trails system features four purpose-built singletrack routes, including two green trails, one blue trail, and one red trail. The focus on gravity riding, jumping, and enduro progression reflects the growing popularity of modern mountain biking. A detachable chairlift provides quick access to the trail starts, allowing riders to maximize their time on the slopes while enjoying views across the Silesian Beskids.

The 2026 season began with a special opening event held from May 1 to 3, featuring freestyle MTB star Szymon Godziek. The world-class rider joined cycling enthusiasts at the resort for shared rides and activities that marked the start of another year of mountain biking at Złoty Groń.

Beyond the trails, the resort provides a complete cycling experience with bike rentals, professional training sessions, accommodation options, family facilities, and regional dining. Individual instruction is available for riders looking to improve their enduro skills, with courses covering bike control, obstacle management, and safe riding techniques.

Tim Konrad is the founder and publisher of Unofficial Networks, a leading platform for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure. With over 20 years in the ski industry, Tim’s global ski explorations...