On Christmas Eve, due to an electrical failure in a sensor on Tower Six, the Gatlinburg Skylift was shut down at 5 p.m. for several hours. By 5:30, the Gatlinburg Fire Department (GFD) had responded to the scene to begin coordinating the rescue of 18 people, including a 10-year-old boy in a chair by himself.
The Fire Department and Skylift employees sent blankets up to the riders due to the 32 degree weather and blustery winds. None of the riders attempted to jump from the chairlift, and followed instructions from the rescuers. One rider was sent candy bars because he was diabetic and was feared to be in danger from insulin shock.
GFD has special equipment to retrieve riders from the chairs. The 10-year-old boy had to be coaxed down by his parents via a two-way radio supplied by the fire department.
Most of the 18 riders were 500 feet above the Parkway, so the majority of them had to make a strenuous hike to the top of the landing area, with the help of Skylift employees, firefighters and EMT’s.
On arrival at the top of the mountain, Sevier County Ambulance Service was waiting with EMT’s to check victims for hypothermia. None of the victims showed symptoms of the condition, and were transported downtown via the Gatlinburg Trolley Service.
Both Pigeon Forge and Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the scene.
Between the three cities, 20 additional firefighters and EMT’s came to the assistance of the stranded riders.
Although unfortunate, both Chief Gary West and Ron Schoolcraft, general manager for the Skylift, both agreed it was a successful rescue operation. They credited the ongoing training that Skylift employees and GFD regularly drill throughout the year. GFD also has training programs with Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway employees.
Ron Schoolcraft could have reopened the transport system Dec. 26, but insisted that state authorities make one final inspection.
The Skylift reopened for business on Dec. 27. The Skylift operates under strict codes set by the State, and was found to be in compliance by inspectors.
Unfortunately, even with today’s technology, if it is electrical or mechanical there is a chance it will break down. Whether it is an elevator in a high-rise building, Ferris wheel, a power plant in the northeast, or the Skylift in Gatlinburg.

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