Ski areas are hoping to wrap up lift projects before the ski season arrives in a few weeks.
Sunday, October 29, 2017, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Lift construction continues across the northern New England states, as the final month of the off season comes to a close.
At Burke, the new Leitner Poma T-Bar is being installed on Warren's Way. The lift replaces the historic Pomalift and is expected to be completed in time for the start of the season.
The finishing touches are being put on the two new fixed grip quads at Sugarbush, including the new RFID gates. The Doppelmayr chairlifts replace vintage double chairlifts on both Sugarbush South and Sugarbush North.
Magic Mountain's Green Chair installation is progressing slowly, with the terminals recently receiving paint jobs. Components are still being refurbished, and "major installations of bullwheels, motor and comm line is still pending the return of our Ski Lifts Unlimited contractor." The refurbished Borvig, originally installed at Stratton, may eventually augment early season operations, as well as provide novices and intermediates with more options.
Some concrete has been poured at High Pond ski area in Vermont, as the new owner prepares to revive the lost ski area as a private operation. New Leitner-Poma T-Bar components have been delivered to the small Central Vermont area.
Concrete was recently poured via helicopter at Waterville Valley, as work on the new High Country T-Bar continues. Construction started late due to the Federal permit process and could potentially continue into the ski season. The new lift is expected to provide a 2.5 times faster ride for skiers as compared to the High Country double, which remains in place and could be used this winter until the LST T-Bar is ready to operate. Waterville plans to remove the half century old double chairlift next year.
Towers are up and ground work is nearly complete on Pats Peak's Peak Triple. Heavy duty retaining walls have been installed around the base and top terminals, while the base operator's building has taken shape. The refurbished CTEC chairlift, originally installed at Ascutney, will feature a loading carpet for a shorter ride time as compared to the existing Hurricane Triple.
Concrete has been poured and towers are now being erected at Whaleback, as the long awaited West Side T-Bar takes form. The refurbished Hall T-Bar, originally installed at Plattekill, will serve lower mountain terrain.
New Lifts Announced for 2017-18 Season:
Burke, Vermont: T-Bar (New Leitner-Poma T-Bar)
High Pond, Vermont: T-Bar (New Leitner-Poma T-Bar)
Magic Mountain, Vermont: Green Chair (Refurbished Borvig Double)
Pats Peak, New Hampshire: Peak Triple (Refurbished CTEC Triple)
Sugarbush, Vermont: Sunny D Quad (New Doppelmayr Quad)
Sugarbush, Vermont: Village Quad (New Doppelmayr Quad)
Sunday River, Maine: Spruce Peak (New Doppelmayr Triple)
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire: High Country T-Bar (New LST T-Bar)
Whaleback, New Hampshire: West T-Bar (Refurbished Hall T-Bar)
