A day on the slopes at Big Bear Mountain Resort took a terrifying turn when a man filming a ski lift ride captured a skier dangling midair, clinging to her friends as they struggled to keep her from falling.
The viral TikTok, posted by Pierce Mayer (@pierce_mayer), opens as he zooms in on a group seated on a chairlift, with one skier seen hanging beneath the safety bar while two others grip her arms.
As the lift continues its ascent, the person filming can be heard reacting in shock, saying, “Oh my god,” as the group inches toward the unloading area.
A second video, shared by @raizelarcee, reveals the heart-stopping moment from the dangling skier’s point of view.
In the clip, she can be heard shouting, “HOLD ME UP” as her friends strain to pull her back onto the chair.
Thankfully, the group manages to keep her suspended long enough to reach the top of the lift.
Both videos have since racked up thousands of views and prompted a wave of reactions from viewers who said the footage tapped into a common fear among skiers and snowboarders.
In a cluster of comments responding to the thread, one TikTok user wrote, “Shout out to the friends for being strong and not letting go.”
Another added, “This is my worst nightmare.”
“I seriously don’t understand how this happens…” one contributor noted.
While mishaps involving chairlifts are rare, ski industry organizations emphasize that rider behavior plays a critical role in preventing incidents.
According to SkiSafety.us, “Sit all the way in the chair, flush with the seat back.”
The site also advises that, “If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar.”
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) echoes similar guidance, noting on its website that, “A skier’s behavior has as much to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment from helmet to chair lift.”
Both organizations stress the importance of being aware while loading and unloading lifts, as those moments can pose the greatest risk if riders are distracted or not seated properly.
SkiSafety.us further advises, “Avoid distractions while waiting in the lift line: Do not use your smartphone,” highlighting how divided attention can increase the chance of mistakes.
The TikTok clips do not show what caused the skier to slip from her seat. However, viewers applauded her friends for preventing what could have been a serious fall.
As the footage continues to circulate online, it serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine lift rides can turn dangerous, and why safety officials repeatedly urge skiers and snowboarders to follow established chairlift procedures each time they load up for a run.
Newsweek has reached out to @pierce_mayer and @raizelarcee for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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