Skiers rescued after chairlift stops at Ohau ski field

  • 01/09/2017
Ohau Ski Field, Ski
Authorities say they are meeting to discuss how to return the people safely. Photo credit: Ohau Ski Field/ Facebook

As many as 80 people were stranded at the Ohau ski field after a person caused damage to the chairlift when "awkwardly" trying to dismount on Friday afternoon.

Ohau Snow Fields general manager Mike Neilson says everyone on the chairlift is safe and the ski field is safely rescuing the remaining people who were stranded up to eight metres in the air.

He says conditions on the mountain were great and everyone remained calm throughout the ordeal as ski staff used ropes and pullies to get skiers down.

Initial reports suggested as many as 100 people were stranded.

Newshub.