A school ski trip in western Quebec has ended in tragedy after a 13 year old girl died following a chairlift incident at Centre Vorlage.
The Ottawa student was visiting the hill with classmates when her clothing became caught as she attempted to unload from the lift. According to police, part of her hoodie became entangled in the lift mechanism, restricting her breathing.
Witnesses at the scene were unable to remove her from the chair. In an effort to reach trained responders more quickly, the lift was allowed to continue to the base area where emergency crews and two doctors who were on the mountain were waiting.
By the time the chair reached the bottom terminal, the girl was not breathing. CPR was performed on site before she was transported to hospital. She was later transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where she died several days later.
Police from the MRC des Collines say the investigation remains active. Authorities are working alongside the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec, the provincial body responsible for overseeing lift and infrastructure safety, to determine exactly how the incident occurred. A coroner is also involved. At this stage, officials say it is too early to determine whether any charges will be laid.
The girl’s family released a statement expressing their devastation and gratitude for the support received from the community and first responders. They also confirmed that organ donation had been arranged through Trillium Gift of Life.
Centre Vorlage described the incident as a tragic accident and said it is cooperating fully with investigators. The resort remained closed over the weekend.
The Ottawa Carleton District School Board confirmed that counselling support was being provided and that upcoming ski trips have been cancelled.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny around lift operations this season. While lift systems are heavily regulated and statistically safe, rare mechanical or clothing related entanglements are a reminder that unloading zones demand attention and awareness from both operators and riders.
Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Only two weeks ago a another tragedy involving a chairlift in Japan
Australian snowboarder dies in chairlift accident at Japanese resort
