Storm closes B.C. Gondola, leaving 300 stranded at the top

Sunday, December 13, 2015, 2:59 PM - Stormy weather left more than 300 people stranded on B.C.'s Grouse Mountain overnight.

The main gondola was shut down Saturday night due to 100 km/h winds.

Patrons were told by staff that the Skyride was closed and there was no way down, nor was a timeline given, according to reports.

Media relations officer for Grouse Mountain Julie Grant told CBC the gondola was closed between 11:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. local time.

"We had Christmas movies running in the theatre."

There was also hot chocolate and food to keep the mix of party goers and skiers entertained.

While some were amused, others turned to Twitter to express their frustration.

"Stuck on Grouse Mountain. Gondolas not working. I didn't sign up for this Christmas Party," Lisa Reader posted.

The gondola was back up and running early Sunday and many were impressed with how staff handled the situation, ensuring all guests were safe and comfortable.

Meanwhile, snowboarder Trevor Hamre says he is lucky to be alive after falling into a hole where he was stuck for five hours.

The Golden, B.C. resident was heading down a hill on opening day at Kicking Horse Mountain late November when he a hit a log and tumbled into the hole. Hamre was stuck under about six feet of snow and pinned under two fallen trees.

"It was really scary. I slide into an air pocket but the snow came down on top of me. I had much less space than a coffin," Hamre told CBC.

He tried his best not to panic, using every third breath to scream for help.

"I was stuck, man. I could move my hands across my chest and face but that was it. I wasn't physically broken in any way, shape or form. I had all my faculties but couldn't do anything."

Fortunately, a nearby skier eventually heard Hamre just before the resort closed. Ski patrol ended up digging the snowboarder out.

"Other than a stick puncturing through my cheek on impact and the overall bruised and sore muscle feeling, I'm OK and looking forward to giving everyone I know a hug that I didn't think I'd ever be able to give again," the B.C. resident posted on Facebook.

Source: CBC | CBC 

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