12-Year-Old Girl Survives Harrowing Fall from Chairlift at Mammoth Mountain

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. — A 12-year-old girl escaped serious injury after a terrifying fall from a ski chairlift at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort on January 31, 2026. The incident, captured in a viral video, shows the young snowboarder momentarily dangling from the chairlift before plunging to the snow-covered ground below.

The footage reveals the girl gripping the chairlift with her hands while her feet, still strapped into her snowboard, flail in the air. Resort staff rushed to the scene, quickly deploying safety nets and padding in an urgent attempt to break her fall. Their swift response likely prevented more severe injuries.

Mammoth Mountain, a popular destination in California known for its extensive ski terrain and winter sports activities, has not reported any major injuries related to the fall. The resort’s safety protocols and the rapid intervention of employees were critical in managing the emergency.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ski resorts must maintain rigorous safety standards for chairlift operations to protect passengers from such accidents. Investigations into the specific circumstances leading to the girl’s fall are ongoing.

Experts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other safety organizations emphasize the importance of proper chairlift use, including securing safety bars and following operator instructions. In this case, the girl appeared to have been unsecured on the lift, which contributed to the dangerous situation.

The resort has expressed relief that the child walked away without major injuries and is cooperating fully with local authorities to review the incident. Visitors to Mammoth Mountain are reminded to adhere strictly to all safety guidelines to prevent similar accidents.

For more information on ski lift safety and accident prevention, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission provides resources and recommendations for winter sports enthusiasts.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with winter sports and the critical role of safety measures and vigilant staff in protecting guests. Mammoth Mountain continues to prioritize guest safety while investigating the cause of this alarming fall.

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Priya Desai

Priya Desai covers technology, platforms and data privacy, with a focus on how AI, social media and digital policy are reshaping work, speech and daily life.

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