WEST KELOWNA B.C. — The BC Safety Authority continues to investigate at Crystal Mountain Monday, after three chairs came crashing down off a lift on the ski hill Saturday.
The BC Safety Authority is an independent organization that’s mandated to oversee the safety of technical equipment in the province and issue operating permits.
Last year it imposed a sanction against Crystal Mountain, fining the ski resort $8,000 for failing to comply with a safety order in connection with its passenger ropeways (chairlifts or T-bar), according to a report on the BCSA website.
The report shows Crystal Mountain Resort was the only ski hill in B.C. fined in 2013.
Crystal Mountain’s public relations spokesperson, Scott Henderson, told Global Okanagan the fine was issued for the same chairlift as Saturday’s accident. Henderson said the safety infraction was for chairlift slippage, which is not related to the weekend crash.
The mountain’s general manager, Mike Morin, refused to comment on what the fine was for specifically, but also said it was in no way connected to Saturday’s incident.
The BC Safety Authority has also confirmed that the hazard from last year has nothing to do with the weekend accident.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the chairs to crash to the ground.
Four people were injured, suffering broken bones in the weekend incident. The victims are a 16-year-old ski instructor, a 45-year-old patron and two members of the ski patrol.
All are expected to make a full recovery.
Crystal Mountain remains closed as the investigation is underway, but Morin said the intention is to re-open before the end of the season.
“It’s the plan, it’s definitely the plan that we’re working on,” said Morin, “that’s why the inspection branch is here to make sure everything is safe.”
As for the affect the accident will have on the mountain’s reputation, Morin responded “that’s the furthest thing from my mind.”
He said while some people have called to cancel lessons in the past two days, others have called to book.
There is no timeline for when the safety inspection will wrap up.
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