Mammoth Mountain Lift Mechanic Proves Why Wind Closures Are Necessary

Matt Lorelli
·2 min read
2

Mammoth Mountain, CA, along with many ski resorts across the Sierra Nevada, are known for attracting strong winds that can cause lift closures.

Every skier has complained about a wind closure at one point in their life, but the video below by former Mammoth lift mechanic @candegan should help to educate the masses on why they're necessary. Tap the video to watch.

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A post shared by candace (@candegan)

As you can see, Mammoth's Chair 13 was in no shape to safely move skiers and riders up the mountain. The winds were so strong that a chair had entered a seemingly never-ending death spiral.

As @candegan describes it: "...just was one of those helicopter days."

There isn't much of a story here, per se, but the video above should help to educate the population of ignorant skiers who can't wrap their head around wind closures.

Contrary to the pessimistic beliefs of these vocal dissidents, ski resorts want to open as much terrain and lifts as possible. They don't enjoy having to close lifts for multiple hours, or even entire days due to strong winds.

It hurts their profits, and frustrates guests.

Mammoth Mountain Trail Map. Chair 13 marked by black arrow.
Mammoth Mountain Trail Map. Chair 13 marked by black arrow.

So, the next time you're staring up at a mountain loaded with fresh snow that is closed due to strong winds, pause and ask yourself: "Do I want to be on a chairlift that could potentially enter a death spiral and hurt/kill multiple people?".

My hope, at least for the reasonable people out there, is that you will kindly accept that Mother Nature can't be controlled, and that it's simply not safe to ride a chairlift when the winds start whipping.

Thank you for coming to my unsolicited TED Talk. My work here is done (for now).

Related: 70+mph Winds Batter Mammoth's Summit Gondola Station

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