The long awaited Mittersill Project Celebration has been relocated as a result.
Monday, December 26, 2016, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Lift and snowmaking delays have caused the much heralded Mittersill Project Celebration and Dedication to be relocated to the base lodge tomorrow, according to a recent announcement from Cannon.
Originally acquired by state management from the Federal government as the Mittersill Backcountry Area, Mittersill has been transformed into a racing complex in recent years. For 2016-17, a new LST T-Bar was installed on the recently cut Taft Superslope, the widest ski trail in the state. Snowmaking was expanded to cover the new slope.
Much of the Cannon's snowmaking efforts have been focused on Mittersill in recent weeks, building a base of upward of 8 feet on the new Taft Superslope while critical link trails on the main mountain have been worn down by use and weather. The Cannon upper mountain has opened earlier than in prior seasons, in part due to a $5.9 million snowmaking equipment lease enacted by the state this year.
The new Mittersill snowmaking infrastructure appears to be experiencing some issues, including hydrant leaks and flushing activity. A snowcat incident has also resulted in damage to Ridge Run.
Hydrant Leaks
Ridge Run Hydrant Flushing Operations
Ridge Run Snowcat Incident
Meanwhile, the Valar T-Bar, scheduled to be officially dedicated tomorrow, has been shut down because it "requires additional adjustments from the manufacturer before we can operate the lift on a regular basis."
The Mittersill Double Chairlift, originally advertised as being open before Christmas, is experiencing further operational delays.
As a result of the lift issues, skiers have been directed to ski over the Saddle Trail, which is strewn with rock recently blasted for a widening project.
