German skier killed after chairlift collision at Montenegro resort
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A 34 year old German man has died after falling approximately 70 metres from a chairlift at Savin Kuk ski resort in northern Montenegro. The incident occurred over the weekend during lift operations in the Durmitor Mountains.
Local authorities confirmed that two double chairlift baskets collided while in motion. Initial reports indicate that one chair lost its grip on the haul rope and slid backwards before striking the basket behind it.
The collision caused the man to be ejected from the lift. He fell onto a steep rocky slope below and was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, who was riding in the same chair, remained suspended on the lift and sustained a femur fracture and head injuries. She was transported to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery.
Following the impact, lift operations were immediately halted. Several other skiers were left stranded on the line for several hours in sub zero conditions. Mountain rescue teams from GSS Montenegro carried out a full evacuation despite deteriorating weather.
Images Savin Kuk ski resort Facebook
The accident occurred near the town of Žabljak within the Durmitor Mountains.
Montenegro’s State Prosecutor’s Office has opened a formal investigation and seized maintenance records related to the lift. The chairlift involved has reportedly been in service for more than 30 years. Lift operations at the resort remain suspended pending the outcome of a full mechanical and safety review.
Globally, many ski areas continue to operate chairlifts installed several decades ago. While age alone does not determine safety, industry experts consistently note that older systems require higher levels of inspection, maintenance, and parts availability to meet modern safety expectations. The incident has renewed attention on the importance of transparent maintenance regimes and infrastructure investment as winter tourism continues to expand.
The cause of the failure has not yet been confirmed. Authorities have not publicly released the victim’s identity.
