Initial Lift Construction Work Continues at Waterville Valley

Initial Lift Construction Work Continues at Waterville Valley

The new Green Peak complex is expected to debut this winter.

Monday, October 3, 2016, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com

With Green Peak tree clearing complete, attention has turned to excavation and lift installation at Waterville Valley.

The World Cup Triple base terminal has been appropriately painted green in preparation for its new location on Green Peak. The lift's towers received a fresh coat of green last month.

Large holes have been dug for base terminal, tower, and top terminal footings. Rebar has been staged near the bottom terminal, suggesting forms may soon be constructed. Once concrete is poured, the footings will likely need to sit for 3 to 4 weeks before the lift can be installed and tension applied.

Meanwhile, excavation of the easier new trails continues. Green Peak novice trails 51 and 53 and intermediate trail 54L have been smoothed and hayed, while novice trail 4 and intermediate trail 52 have been partially smoothed and hayed.

First approved by the United States Forest Service in 2013, the $2 million Green Peak project will add 10 trails spanning 45 acres. The World Cup Triple will be relocated and installed on the new peak by SkyTrans. Originally a 1986 Albertsson-Stadeli installation, the lift was rebuilt with a new drive and line equipment by Doppelmayr in 2000. The Green Peak installation is expected to be 4,380 feet long by 1,011 feet vertical.

While the trails and lift are being advertised as opening this winter, it is not known if snowmaking will be installed in time for the ski season. Existing snowmaking pipe and hydrants remain in place, now in the middle of expanded terrain. According to the Alteration of Terrain permit, no additional snowmaking water withdrawal will be allowed with the current expansion project.