Monica Laso, a snowboarder at Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, had a terrifying experience when she found herself trapped overnight in a ski lift gondola. The incident occurred after a day of snowboarding when Laso decided to take the gondola down the mountain due to exhaustion. However, just minutes into the descent, the gondola suddenly came to a halt, leaving Laso suspended in the air as the sun began to set.
With no phone or light, Laso desperately yelled for help, but her cries went unheard. She recounted screaming until she lost her voice, hoping someone would come to her rescue. However, the freezing temperatures made it even more challenging for her to stay warm. The National Weather Service reported that the overnight low temperature was a bone-chilling 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius).
For 15 long hours, Laso fought off the cold by rubbing her hands and feet together. It was a grueling and terrifying experience, as she was left without any means of communication or assistance. Meanwhile, her friends had reported her missing to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office after they were unable to reach her.
It wasn't until the following morning when the gondola started operating again that crews realized Laso had been trapped overnight. As the gondola descended, Laso finally reached the bottom, where she was discovered by resort workers. South Lake Tahoe Fire and Rescue paramedics responded to the scene and assessed her condition. Remarkably, Laso was responsive and alert, declining transportation to the hospital.
Kim George, a spokesperson for South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, expressed her curiosity about the incident, stating that in her 23 years with the department, they had never responded to a call like this before. The unusual nature of the situation has sparked interest and concern within the community.
Heavenly Mountain Resort, where the incident occurred, is taking the matter seriously and conducting an investigation into how Laso became trapped in the gondola. Tom Fortune, the resort's vice president and chief operating officer, emphasized that guest safety and well-being are their top priorities.
The ordeal faced by Monica Laso serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers and risks that can occur during winter activities. It highlights the importance of preparedness and communication, as well as the need for thorough safety measures at ski resorts.
