Full Breakdown
Skier's Near-Death Experience on Chairlift at Big Bear Mountain
2/28/2026, 5:16:14 AM
Incident Overview
Roula De Miranda-Arce experienced a harrowing incident while riding a chairlift at Big Bear Mountain Resort in Southern California. During a day of skiing with her twin sister, Raizel De Miranda-Arce, and their friend, Makenna Dumlao, Roula slipped out of her seat, leaving her dangling high above the ground. Video footage captured the moment, showing her sister and friend desperately holding onto her arms to prevent her from falling. Roula later described her fear, stating, “Oh, I’m definitely dying,” as she realized the perilous situation.
Eyewitness Accounts
Raizel initially thought Roula was joking when she called for help. However, upon realizing the seriousness of the situation, she and Makenna worked together to support Roula until the lift could safely lower them to the ground. Roula recounted her panic, emphasizing that she was not thinking about moving but was instead overwhelmed with fear.
Official Response and Safety Measures
Big Bear Mountain Resort confirmed the incident and attributed Roula's slip to "horseplay." In a statement, the resort noted that once staff became aware of the situation, they acted swiftly to stop the lift and safely unload all passengers. Following the incident, Roula and her sister were evaluated by ski patrol, and it was reported that they did not sustain significant injuries. The resort reiterated the importance of using safety bars and avoiding distracting behavior while on lifts, stating, “This is a good example of why we recommend guests always lower the safety bar.”
Broader Implications
Roula De Miranda-Arce's experience serves as a cautionary tale for skiers and snowboarders regarding safety protocols on chairlifts. Her message to fellow lift riders was clear: “Like seriously, put the bar down.” This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with ski lifts and the critical need for adherence to safety measures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the resort confirmed the incident and the circumstances surrounding it, details regarding how Roula slipped through the safety bar remain unclear. Additionally, there have been reports of similar incidents at other ski resorts, including a recent case involving a 12-year-old girl at Mammoth Mountain, raising concerns about safety practices across ski facilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Oh, I’m definitely dying,” — Roula De Miranda-Arce
- “I thought she was joking and I was like, ‘Haha, whatever, dude.’ And then she was like, ‘No, seriously. Like, I need help,’” — Raizel De Miranda-Arce
- “Raizel Arce / SWNS “As soon as staff became aware of the situation, they took quick action to stop the carrier and unload everyone as soon as it reached the upper terminal.” — Big Bear Mountain Resort Spokesperson
- “This is a good example of why we recommend guests always lower the safety bar and refrain from engaging in potentially dangerous or distracting behavior while riding lifts.” — Big Bear Mountain Resort Spokesperson
