Parents Face Felony Charges After 5-Year-Old Falls from Ski Lift at Pennsylvania Resort

The parents of a five-year-old boy who fell from a ski lift at Blue Knob All Seasons Resort in Pennsylvania are now facing felony charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

Micah Porter, 34, and Maya Porter, 37, of State College, were arraigned Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Tonya Osman. Both were released on unsecured bail, set at $50,000 for Micah Porter and $30,000 for Maya Porter.

According to court documents, the five-year-old was riding a chairlift alone on March 1 when he attempted to adjust his goggles. While twisting in his seat, the child fell approximately 20 feet to the snow-covered ground below. He was subsequently flown to UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment.

State police noted a significant lapse in supervision, reporting that it took resort staff roughly 15 minutes to locate the parents after the fall occurred.

The affidavit of probable cause reveals that a lift operator had previously questioned Micah Porter about the child riding alone, according to Pennsylvania news outlet WTAJ.

The operator stated that while the father and son initially rode the chairlift together, the boy eventually began boarding the lift solo. When confronted, Micah Porter allegedly told the operator that his son was an experienced skier capable of riding the lift by himself.

The incident raises questions about ski resort policies regarding children riding chairlifts unaccompanied. While practices vary by resort, most facilities have age or height requirements for children riding lifts alone, and many require young children to be accompanied by an adult.

Blue Knob All Seasons Resort has reiterated that while they prioritize safety, the primary responsibility for the supervision of minors remains with their parents or guardians.

The case highlights ongoing safety concerns at ski areas regarding chairlift supervision, particularly for young children who may not have the physical size, strength, or judgment to ride safely without adult supervision.

Both parents are scheduled for preliminary hearings at a later date.