Lift Construction Progressing in Maine and Vermont
Construction is underway at Magic, Saddleback, and Sugarbush.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Though the summer of 2020 may be quiet at many ski areas due to the impact of COVID-19, others are seeing a flurry of activity.
In Maine, Saddleback is pushing ahead with its construction projects ahead of its planned winter 2020-21 reopening. The base lodge is seeing significant renovations as the new ownership works to increase capacity and improve amenities after being closed for five ski seasons. Meanwhile, the Rangeley double chairlift has been removed and blasting has taken place for the installation of a new high speed quad chairlift. Doppelmayr delivered towers this week for the only brand new chairlift slated for installation in New England.
In Vermont, Green Mountain Valley School is pushing ahead with its new racing T-Bar project at Sugarbush. Not only has the Pomalift been removed, but Leitner Poma components are now on site and concrete has been poured. The new T-Bar will run parallel to the Inverness chairlift.
In a time where many ski areas are struggling to sell season passes, Magic Mountain reported early season sales that eclipsed last season's total season pass sales. Building on that strength, Pfister Mountain Services is on site, working to complete the installation of a Poma quad chairlift. Towers were put up last year, while the communications line was installed recently. The drive terminal was put into place in late June.
In Massachusetts, the new owners of Bousquet announced the installation of a triple chairlift last month. No additional information or updates have been provided, nor have Mill Town Capital or Bousquet Mountain responded to inquiries on the matter.
