Snowbird, UT – Utah’s Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort on Friday announced its plan to replace two of the resort’s remaining double chairlifts with high-speed quads and install a new water pump to increase snowmaking capability.
“All of these improvements focus on improving the guest experience,” said Bob Bonar, Snowbird’s General Manager. “Snowbird is committed to offering sustainable, well-managed, year-round recreation to our growing number of guests.”
Snowbird already has the required approval to replace the current Little Cloud chairlift, which was installed in 1980, with a detachable high-speed quad chair manufactured by Doppelmayr, a European company with its North American headquarters in Salt Lake City. The new chairlift will be located in the footprint of the existing Little Cloud chairlift and be operational for winter 2012-13.
“Our guests have told us replacing Little Cloud is a top priority and they welcome the faster ride to Little Cloud Bowl and Mineral Basin,” said Bonar. “We have a long-standing relationship with Doppelmayr and value their craftsmanship and customer service.”
“Contrary to what all the news stations reported last weekend, Snowbird is still open every day for skiing and snowboarding, and we will stay open as long as the snow pack allows,” added Snowbird spokesperson Emily Moench. “We cannot start construction (on the new Little Cloud lift) until our 100-inch base is gone.”
Pending an environmental assessment, Snowbird also plans to replace Gad 2, an original double chairlift at Snowbird, with a detachable high-speed quad chair, also manufactured by Doppelmayr. The replacement chair will be lower-capacity than the new Little Cloud chair to minimize overcrowding on the terrain accessed on the west side of the resort. Snowbird also plans several run modifications in the Gad 2 area during installation, scheduled for summer 2013. Pending approvals, the new Gad 2 lift will be operational for winter 2013-14.
Snowbird will be selling its old, original chairs, and proceeds will benefit Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS). WAS offers year-round therapeutic recreational activities to people of all ages with special needs, with a special program for wounded veterans. WAS operates year-round and provides many rewarding activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and adaptive hockey in the winter; hiking, fishing, orienteering, bicycling and tram rides during the summer.
Snowbird is also improving its snowmaking capability with a new pump station in Peruvian Gulch, allowing for simultaneous snowmaking in Gad Valley, Mineral Basin and Peruvian Gulch.