A Day on the Slopes Turns into a High-Stakes Rescue at Dartmouth Skiway

It was supposed to be a picture-perfect Saturday on the slopes at Dartmouth Skiway in Lyme, New Hampshire. The sun was out, the snow was (mostly) cooperative, and skiers and snowboarders were enjoying a late-season outing. But for nearly 50 individuals, their afternoon took a dramatic and rather unexpected turn when the Holt's Ledge Quad ski lift suddenly stopped dead in its tracks, leaving them dangling high above the ground.

The incident unfolded around 1:45 PM on March 23, 2024. One moment, you're ascending, perhaps planning your next run; the next, everything just… ceases. No slow-down, no gentle pause—just an abrupt halt. Imagine being up there, bundled against the cold, feeling the wind whip around you, and realizing you're stuck. It certainly wasn't the kind of thrill anyone had signed up for.

As the minutes stretched into an hour, and then two, the situation became less about a temporary inconvenience and more about a full-scale rescue mission. Temperatures were chilly, and though the sun was shining, the persistent wind would have quickly amplified the discomfort. One can only imagine the mix of cold, nerves, and perhaps even a bit of gallows humor that might have permeated the suspended chairs.

Down below, a highly coordinated effort quickly sprang into action. Local fire departments from Lyme, Hanover, and Norwich converged on the scene, joined by the specialized Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team and the Skiway's own experienced ski patrol. This wasn't a simple 'push a button' fix; it was going to require meticulous, hands-on work to bring everyone safely back to terra firma.

The method chosen was a classic, albeit arduous, rope rescue. Rescuers meticulously worked their way along the lift line, chair by chair, using ropes and harnesses to lower each person gently to the ground below. It’s a slow, painstaking process, requiring immense skill, patience, and physical stamina from everyone involved. Think about the precision needed, the sheer focus required to ensure every single individual, from young children to older adults, was safely detached and lowered.

Hours ticked by as the operation continued. By 5:30 PM, over three and a half hours after the initial stoppage, the last person had been successfully brought down. And here's the truly remarkable part, the phenomenal outcome that speaks volumes about the professionalism of the rescue teams: despite the duration, the cold, and the inherent dangers of such a situation, no injuries were reported. Not a single one. Just a lot of cold, relieved, and probably very tired skiers with quite a story to tell.

According to Dartmouth Skiway officials, the cause of the unexpected stoppage was an electrical issue. As a precautionary measure and to allow for a thorough investigation and repair, the Skiway closed for the remainder of that Saturday and remained closed through Sunday. While it certainly wasn't the day on the mountain anyone expected, it stands as a testament to effective emergency planning and the incredible dedication of our local first responders and rescue teams.