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French Transport Minister Investigates Chairlift Security

Succession of chairlift accidents calls for action

featured in News & reviews Author Robin Deering, Val d'Isere Editor Updated

Following a succession of accidents involving chairlifts in ski resorts the French transport minister has called for a meeting to investigate chairlift security and preventative measures.

The recent death of a school girl, as a result of a fall from a chairlift in the Italian ski resort of Claviere, amplified the growing concern for security.

Frédéric Cuvillier, the French transport minister, announced in a statement that he will be meeting with the Telepherique Committee so that an analysis can be carried out to investigate the evolution of these type of accidents, safety actions already taken by the lift companies and other measures that may be taken in the future.

Concurrently the French Ski Areas Associtaion (DSF) have issued a press release for the safe use of a chairlift for all skiers and snowboarders - the document is in French but a translated version can be found here. The document highlights that 90% of accidents that occur today are due to user behaviour.

A chairlift accident in Chamonix resulted in a full investigation of the installation which has since proved the lift fully complies to safety standards and that the qualified lift operator was at his post.

The meeting date has not yet been set but the minister assures that a concerted and operational action will be exerted in the near future.