Friday, January 10, 2025, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Four new chairlifts are in operation and one more is days away from opening as 2024's lift construction season comes to a close.
Ski Sundown's SkyTrac quad was the first new chairlift to open to the public, spinning on December 13. Equipped with a loading carpet, the new fixed grip lift replaced a 1977 Borvig triple.
Big Rock's Gemini Quad opened to the public on December 21. The new Doppelmayr lift serves the main mountain while the North Star Double, a 1970s Mueller, remains in place.
Pleasant Mountain's Summit Express also opened to the public on December 21. Previously serving the Jordan complex at Sunday River, the Doppelmayr high speed quad is equipped with a loading carpet.
Sugarbush's Heaven's Gate Quad briefly opened to the public on December 21 before going on hold due to a valve issue. The lift reopened the next day and has been in operation since, serving the Lincoln Peak complex. The Doppelmayr lift is equipped with a loading carpet.
Lost Valley is planning to open Chair 3 later this month. Previously installed at Mt. Southington in 2001, the Hall double was originally constructed at Craigmeur, New Jersey in 1976. Chairs were placed on the line on New Year's Eve and snowmaking recently started in the complex the lift serves.
Looking ahead to 2025, a number of lifts have been announced.
Pats Peak has poured multiple footings for a fixed grip quad that will replace the 1977 Borvig Hurricane Triple. Components from a 1997 Garventa CTEC fixed grip quad from Lake Compounce, Connecticut will be used.
