Tragic Chairlift Catastrophe Shakes Montana Ski Resort

A fatal mishap has struck Red Lodge Mountain. A 37‐year‐old man fell from a malfunctioning chairlift. The incident occurred Monday before noon amid gusty winds and technical glitches.

Jeffrey Zinne was riding alone on a three-person chair. The lift—known as the Triple Chair—suffered a mechanical fault. Witnesses say the accident happened in the rugged Beartooth Mountains southeast of Billings.

“Tough day for everyone here,” said Troy Hawks, the resort spokesperson. “We are leaving no stone unturned in this investigation.”

Over 100 passengers were stranded. Brave ski patrollers used ropes to lower riders safely. Authorities acted fast amid dangerous wind gusts of 50 mph.

Sheriff Josh McQuillan noted, “Safety must be our top priority. We will find every answer.”

Zinne was more than a skier. He ran Montana Air Cartage and was known for his infectious laugh. A devoted husband and father to a two-year-old son, his loss cuts deep.

“Jeff was a mentor and a true friend,” recalled Jessice Sande, a company manager. “His spirit uplifted us all.”

The Triple Chair, built in 1983, spans nearly a mile. Daily checks and annual professional inspections are routine. Yet, accidents like this remain rare. Since 1956, only 35 fatal chairlift incidents have been recorded in the U.S.—16 tied to mechanical failures. The most recent was in 2020 at a Colorado resort.

This incident raises questions about aging equipment and extreme weather conditions. Conservative voices argue for stricter oversight and accountability, stressing that no American family should suffer from preventable tragedies.

As investigations continue, the community mourns and calls for renewed safety measures at Montana’s beloved ski resorts.