High Country Lift Replacement Underway at Waterville Valley
The new T-Bar could increase the ski area's vertical drop.
Thursday, September 21, 2017, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
High Country Construction
Yet another construction project has begun in what is shaping up to be the busiest off season in recent memory at Waterville Valley.
High Country Construction
On September 13th, the United States Forest Service approved Waterville Valley's plan to replace the High Country double chairlift with a new T-Bar. One of Waterville Valley's original Stadeli brand double chairlifts, the 400 vertical foot lift was installed 50 years ago, serving high elevation intermediate trails. Though largely unmodified, the lift did receive a new electric drive for the 2011-12 season. Multiple deropements in January resulted in Waterville closing the lift for the season.
High Country Top Terminal Location
Footing Forms
Clearing is underway for the new T-Bar lift line, which will run up skier's left of the High Country area. According to LiftBlog.com, the new lift will be manufactured by LST, which also manufactured the T-Bar installed at Cannon Mountain last year. The new lift base terminal will be located below the High Country drive building (which will remain for storage) and could be 250 feet longer than the double chairlift, potentially increasing the ski area's vertical drop by nearly 20 feet.
Pasture Construction
Meanwhile, the Pasture J-Bar has been removed and footings are being set for the new Magic Carpets set to replace it.
Green Peak Excavation
Green Peak excavation continues to chug along, as much of the intermediate terrain has been smoothed and seeded. Some of the expert terrain may not be excavated this year due to environmental regulations. Snowmaking pipe has been installed on multiple trails, as well as tower gun mounts.
Main Lodge Construction
The main lodge has also become a construction zone, as an addition is being constructed for the adaptive program. As part of the project, new ticket windows are being constructed at the former ski check location.
