DENVER ( KDVR ) — A lawsuit was filed against Alterra Mountain Company U.S. Inc., Intrawest/ Winter Park Operations Corporation and a lift operator after a Texas man was reportedly injured after falling off a Winter Park chairlift in 2023.
According to attorneys Bloch & Chapleau, Cates, Ongert, LLC., Arturo Burgueno of Texas was “improperly loaded” and fell off the Explorer Express chairlift at the Winter Park on March 17, 2023.
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According to the lawsuit filed on Jan. 2, Burgueno is an experienced adaptive skier who uses a “sit-ski.” He was allegedly improperly instructed to load the lift, ultimately leading to his fall.
The lawsuit states that the lift operator, Emily Frame, was the only employee present operating the loading area. Frame allegedly put Burgueno behind the lift’s “load here” line while the lift was at a stop, causing him and his equipment to be improperly secured.
After passing the Explorer Express lift’s first tower, the lawsuit said Burgueno fell off the lift, causing serious injuries and leaving him hospitalized for several weeks.