First report out on Devil’s Head Lift Accident

The following statement of the cause of the lift accident last Thursday evening at Devil's Head Ski Resort was released.

Jo Vittengl said that the accident was a "mechanical malfunction." He said they found a "break" in the equipment that sent the chair lift sliding into reverse, causing 14 injuries last Thursday night. Vittengl said he is gathering information on the exact findings of the resort's insurance company-hired inspector, but that "something snapped'' and "broke."

See Resort Manager Says Chair Lift Accident Was 'Mechanical Malfunction'


The State of Wisconsin is continuing its investigation into the lift accident.

For other blog posts about the accident see:

Lift Accident at Wisconsin's Devil's Head Resort

Devil's Head Ski Resort has six lifts closed

Devil’s Head Ski Resort has six lifts closed

Six of the ten lifts at Devil Head Ski Resort have been closed for inspection. The State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce is heading up the investigation into the lift accident that occurred December 17, 2009. See Lift Accident at Wisconsin's Devil's Head Resort. All lifts are being inspected again at the resort.


It is not clear if the State closed the lifts or the closures were voluntary. The lifts were inspected by a third party inspected prior to opening this season.