A heart-pounding incident unfolded in the French Alps this holiday season, as 240 skiers found themselves needing a rescue when a chairlift malfunctioned. Fortunately, everyone was safely airlifted to safety on Tuesday.

News about the skiers’ predicament quickly spread, prompting a swift response. No one was hurt, but the experience was undoubtedly nerve-wracking for everyone involved.

All 240 skiers were evacuated from the Festoure Chairlift at the popular Superdevoluy resort in the southern French Alps, thanks to the quick action of a helicopter rescue team. The Christmas Eve operation ensured that everyone got back to the ground safely.

The incident was attributed to an electrical failure in the lift’s engine, rendering it inoperable. However, relief swept over the skiers as they were all safely brought back to terra firma without injury.

As the event transpired during the afternoon, one skier took to social media to share their experience, detailing the tense moments during their three to four-hour wait high above the slopes, thankful for the eventual help that arrived.

This dramatic rescue in France follows closely on the heels of another similar incident in America. Just a few days earlier, over 170 skiers and snowboarders at an American resort had to be evacuated using ropes after a crack halted their gondola mid-air. Fortunately, in both cases, everyone safely descended back to the snow below.

The quick and effective response measures in these situations highlight the importance of safety protocols and preparedness, ensuring that even in the face of mechanical failures, skiers can still be confident about their adventures on the slopes.