New lifts are being commissioned in 5 of 6 New England states.
Sunday, December 24, 2023, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
The Christmas holiday week is now in full swing, as are many new chairlifts across New England.
Connecticut
Northstar Triple, Mt. Southington
Mount Southington's new Partek triple is reportedly operating this weekend. The new Northstar replaces a 1976 Hall double chairlift.
Maine
Bucksaw Express, Sugarloaf
Despite being deluged with heavy rain, the new Barker 6 bubble chairlift reopened this weekend as Sunday River continues its recovery efforts. The second Merrill Hill triple chairlift, though constructed this year, is not expected to operate until next season. Meanwhile, the haul rope has been spliced on Sugarloaf's Bucksaw high speed quad chairlift. The refurbished Doppelmayr is expected to start serving new terrain next month.
New Hampshire
Mountaineer, Attitash
The new Leitner Poma summit lift at Attitash is reportedly complete, however Monday's rain washed away too much snow to allow for the planned Christmas week opening. The new high speed quad is now expected to open for New Year's weekend. Meanwhile, the Timbertown quad at Loon is expected to open within the next few days.
Vermont
Sheehan Quad, Middlebury
The new Sheehan Quad debuted earlier this month at Middlebury College Snow Bowl. In addition to early-season operations, the lift has also been serving the new night skiing installation. Meanwhile, progress has been made this year on the refurbished Black Line Quad at Magic Mountain, which is currently projected to open this winter after half a decade of construction.
Massachusetts
T-Bar Express Quad, Berkshire East
The construction of the new T-Bar Express Quad at Berkshire East has been completed, as the new summit lift is expected to open to the public on Christmas Eve. The lower portion of the Leitner Poma quad follows the line of the original Thunder Mountain T-Bar lift and extends over the summit of Mt. Institute, linking with the existing trail network via three short connectors. The T-Bar Express includes two diesel auxiliary units, which will allow the lift to operate at full speed in the event of a power outage.
