Stranded in the Sky: Unexpected Night on a Gondola Adventure in Lake Tahoe

A Sky-High Ordeal: Night of Stranded Solitude in Lake Tahoe Gondola Raises Safety Inquiries

In a bizarre turn of events, what was supposed to be a thrilling ski trip for Monica Laso turned into an unexpected night spent suspended in the sky on a gondola at Lake Tahoe. The ordeal unfolded when, too exhausted to continue her descent down the hill, Laso sought refuge in the gondola, only to find herself stranded when it abruptly stopped around 5:00 p.m., just two minutes after she boarded.

“I didn’t have a phone, a light, or anything,” shared Laso, emphasizing the isolation of her predicament. Her friends, unable to reach her, reported her missing, initiating a search for her whereabouts. It wasn’t until the gondola resumed operations the next morning that crews at Heavenly Mountain Resort discovered Laso had spent the night suspended in the cabin.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office sought assistance from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue upon locating Laso. Despite being found safe, Laso opted not to be transported, according to Marshal Kim George, a spokesperson for fire and rescue. “She was assessed and refused transport – we always recommend transport with every patient,” George stated, highlighting the standard protocol.

Heavenly Mountain Resort, where the incident occurred, expressed their commitment to guest safety. Tom Fortune, the vice president and chief operating officer of Heavenly Mountain Resort, conveyed, “The safety and well-being of our guests is our top priority at Heavenly Mountain Resort. We are investigating this situation with the utmost seriousness.”

As this unusual episode gains attention, questions linger about the circumstances that led to the gondola suspension and the measures in place to prevent such incidents. The investigation by Heavenly Mountain Resort is expected to shed light on the incident, ensuring the safety protocols are robust and effective for all guests enjoying the breathtaking slopes of Lake Tahoe.

As the investigation unfolds and safety measures are scrutinized, the Lake Tahoe gondola incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise even in the midst of picturesque landscapes. Heavenly Mountain Resort’s commitment to guest safety remains paramount, and lessons learned from this unusual night in the sky will undoubtedly contribute to even more robust safety protocols. As skiers and adventurers continue to explore the breathtaking slopes of Lake Tahoe, the hope is that such incidents become rare, ensuring that every visit to Heavenly Mountain Resort is an exhilarating and, above all, safe experience.