From Taylor Middleton
Planning, design, road building, most concrete, and heavy terminal steel for two brand new lifts is now behind us. We’re flying towers, which is always a big mark in the lift construction process. For the first time, it’s really easy to see progress. Next comes more heavy terminal construction, installation of the rope, electrical, fine terminal work, and more. Semi-trailers continue to arrive several times a week with parts produced in the USA, Canada, and Europe. Parts delivery and construction for both lifts is on-schedule for a timely winter opening.
These Doppelmayr lifts represent the newest and finest technology in the ski industry. Each is sized and tailored for its unique location and a long life. No locations are more important or deserving than Challenger and the Bowl for modern installations. Anticipating the future, these lifts offer faster ride times and move more total skiers than the lifts they’re replacing.
The Bowl six-place high-speed lift is designed around comfort and reliability, featuring a bubble covering every chair, heated seats, footrests, and a total ride time of just three minutes. It’s equipped with an auxiliary power unit capable of operating even in the rare event when electricity is out. It serves 1,800 skiers per hour initially, and as demand grows, 3,600 skiers per hour.
Challenger is a triple place chair with foot rests and safety bars. Carpet load technology makes boarding easier and allows the lift to move faster, shortening ride time. Challenger also comes with the auxiliary power unit feature allowing us to ski even when power is out. It initially carries 1,200 skiers per hour, and 1,600 per hour as visitation increases. Both lifts operate more efficiently and will never require tower painting.
These installations anticipate our vision of the future, not of just a larger skier population from our steadily growing community, but also of the sophisticated demands of the modern skier. Although it will take us a few years to grow into the higher capacity, keeping lift lines short is one of Big Sky’s hallmarks, now and in the future.
Winter season opening is less than 75 days away. The peaks were [recently] dusted with snow again. The La Nina weather forecast is good. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Taylor Middleton is President and General Manager of Big Sky Resort.
Established in 1973, Big Sky Resort is the “Biggest Skiing in America” with 5,800 acres offering an average of two acres per skier and 4,350 vertical drop. Visit www.bigskyresort.com/ for more information and to get your season passes now! •
