A newly released investigation from the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board has concluded that an installation error dating back to 2007 was the primary factor behind a chairlift incident at Vail Resort that ejected two passengers from the Little Eagle #15 chairlift on January 25th, 2026.
Despite the frightening incident, neither passenger suffered injuries. The report also states that all 40 people who were on the lift at the time were safely evacuated using ropes after the lift was shut down.
According to the investigation the incident occurred shortly after lift attendants attempted to stop the fixed grip triple chairlift when one child failed to load onto a chair carrying an adult and another child. As the lift slowed normally, the chair reached Tower 1 where a mechanical sequence unfolded that ultimately caused the passengers to be thrown from the carrier.
Investigation identifies hidden installation issue
Investigators determined the root cause was an incorrectly installed sheave train configuration that had remained unnoticed since the lift was relocated and reconstructed in 2007.
The report explains that the installation reduced the amount of lateral swing clearance below the minimum required under ANSI standards. During the incident a combination of the uneven chair loading, the passenger turning to look behind them, and the resulting outward swing allowed the chair swing limiter to catch on a cable catcher at Tower 1.
That contact temporarily stalled the carrier while the haul rope continued moving through the grip. As tension built in the rope and was suddenly released during the stop, the stored energy caused the chair to lurch forward and eject the passengers. Fortunately, the passengers’ skis remained on the snow preventing a more serious outcome.
Investigators noted that identifying the installation error proved especially challenging because the incorrect configuration differed by only about 20 millimeters and appeared nearly identical during routine visual inspections.
Lift had passed inspections for nearly two decades
The Little Eagle #15 chairlift has operated in its current location since 2007 and had successfully passed annual licensing inspections along with unannounced operational inspections conducted by the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board.
According to the report, no previous inspection identified deficiencies related to Tower 1 and there had been no prior reportable mechanical or electrical failures involving the chairlift during its 19 years of operation.
The investigation concluded that the improperly configured sheave assembly would have been extremely difficult for inspectors or resort maintenance staff to recognize without physically measuring the swing clearances.
Repairs completed before reopening
Following the investigation, Vail repaired the haul rope, replaced or repaired damaged components, reconfigured the sheave assemblies into the correct orientation, and modified hardware to improve future inspections and maintenance.
The resort also completed extensive testing that included repeated starts, stops, speed transitions, and swing clearance measurements. After the corrections, investigators confirmed that the chairlift exceeded the required lateral swing clearance and no additional issues were found on the remainder of the lift.
The Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board also announced that it will discuss ways inspectors can better evaluate swing clearances on existing lifts during its Fall 2026 inspector meeting. After repairs and follow up testing were completed, the Little Eagle #15 chairlift was authorized to reopen to the public on February 10th, 2026.