In a shocking turn of events, a snowboarder visiting the Heavenly ski resort in Lake Tahoe, California, found herself in a life-threatening situation after getting stuck in a gondola overnight. The incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly a leisure trip can turn into a near-death experience.

Monica Laso, the stranded snowboarder, recounted her harrowing ordeal to NBC affiliate KCRA. It all began when Laso boarded the gondola at around 5pm Pacific time on Thursday for a little assistance in navigating a slope. However, what was meant to be a routine ride turned into a nightmare when the gondola abruptly came to a halt, leaving Laso trapped for approximately 15 hours.

Distressingly, Laso had not brought her cellphone along, leaving her unable to call for help. Despite her desperate screams for assistance, nobody on the ground could hear her pleas, leaving her isolated and stranded. "I screamed desperately until I lost my voice," Laso explained to KCRA in Spanish. She found herself without any means of communication, light, or warmth.

As her friends grew concerned about her well-being, they reported her missing to the El Dorado county sheriff's office. However, attempts to reach Laso proved futile. With the temperature dropping to a bone-chilling 23°F (-5°C), Laso resorted to rubbing her hands and feet to stave off hypothermia. Exposure to such conditions for an extended period can be deadly.

It wasn't until the following morning that Laso was finally discovered. The gondola started moving, catching the attention of ski officials who realized she had been trapped inside overnight. Reflecting on her experience, Laso expressed her frustration, having endured a night of uncertainty and fear.

Upon her rescue, Laso received a physical evaluation by paramedics from the South Lake Tahoe fire and rescue department. Remarkably, she showed signs of responsiveness and alertness, opting not to be transported to a nearby hospital. The resort's vice-president and chief operating officer, Tom Fortune, released a statement expressing concern for Laso's well-being and assuring that an investigation is underway to determine how she became trapped. "The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our top priority at Heavenly mountain resort," Fortune emphasized.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Kim George, a spokesperson for South Lake Tahoe fire and rescue, revealed that in her 23 years with the department, they had never encountered a case similar to Laso's. The incident has sparked discussions about improving safety measures and communication systems to prevent such incidents in the future.

As the investigation continues, Laso's harrowing experience serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictability that can occur even in seemingly safe recreational environments. It highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness when engaging in winter sports activities.