Vail Applies to Replace Attitash Summit Triple

TomWhite

Vail applies to replace Attitash summit triple with HSQ/HSS.

Section 11 Description:
The project will be implemented by Vail Resorts with support from hired contractors.
• The proposed action is the removal of the existing Summit Triple lift and installation of a four or six
passenger high speed chairlift (Lift A). Trees would be cut along the existing lift line to widen it to the
American National Standards Institute mandated clearance for chairlifts in applicable areas. A
maximum of nine feet of additional clearing width may be needed. The proposed chairlift will follow the
same general profile as the Summit Triple. The proposed action also includes the removal of the
existing double double lifts and replacement with a new triple or quad fixed grip lift (Lift B) in the same
alignment. This additional sequence is needed due to the age of the existing Borvig lifts (1972 and
1974 install). There is no anticipated tree work with this replacement as the new lift will follow the
existing corridor with a narrower envelope required. The methods and tools for this lift installation will
be similar to those used in the Lift A installation
• The project will be located at Attitash Mountain Resort (map attached with the Summit Triple line
highlighted in yellow and the double double in orange).
• Access to the project will be on existing mountain roads and trails with a proposed staging area in the
parking lot, directly across US Highway 302 from Attitash Mountain Resort. The removal and
installation will involve the use of a helicopter to remove and install lift towers along with construction
machinery such as excavators for the tower foundations and top and bottom terminals.
• We anticipate beginning the work in early spring of 2022 with a completion target prior to December
2022. No tree cutting or mowing will occur on Forest Service land between May 1st and July 15th.
• The anticipated permitting needs are standard building permits as well as an approval process through
the New Hampshire Tramway Board

https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/117189_FSPLT3_5750594.pdf

lotsoskiing

Signs of life!

obienick

This has to be a response to the 4 or so failures on Christmas week and the bad press they are getting. That said it also broke down today! That’s the only way I can read this. As otherwisethey would’ve announced this as part of the EpicLiftUpgrade press release earlier.

Good news, but moving way too slow.

Also interesting this is the first mention that the double double replacement might be a triple as well as the first mention that it will be a new lift. They glossed over the word “new” in prior pressers indicating it was probably going to be a moved lift as the wording for the Mt. Snow upgrades was a bit different with he word “new” clearly stated.

newpylong

Due to demand for new installs, if this is a direct result of the ongoing triple issues, I would not be surprised to see one of their other installs get delayed if this needs to be done. There is only going to be so much steel on order and time in one off-season for the installers... Just kick one of the nice to haves off back a year.

Peter

The application was in September, I actually suspect this was the project which got postponed in favor of others. But they haven’t withdrawn the application so hopefully Summit goes in 2023.

xlr8r

I'm guessing they did not get approvals done in time, so the summit lift got pushed back to 2023. The double doubles are on private property, so less hurdles to jump through to get them replaced. According to liftblog, the double doubles will be replaced with a new Skytrac quad.

newpylong

Good find on those dates... rats though for the Attitash folks if 2023.

JimK

This lift has been the weak link at Attitash for decades, correct? It also serves the best terrain if I remember correctly? Glad it's finally going to be replaced. Happy for the Attitash regulars.

NELSAP

Their GM is resigning as of 1/17 for a position outside the company.

Quietman

Seems like announcing plans for this lift is like trying to slap a band aid on a hemorrhage.

rickbolger

NELSAP;c-52795 wroteTheir GM is resigning as of 1/17 for a position outside the company.

He started on October 26th

obienick

Where does it say this will be built for 2023?

It says construction to begin in April 2022 and the summit lift will be concurrent with the double-double replacement.

lotsoskiing

rickbolger;c-52797 wrote
NELSAP;c-52795 wroteTheir GM is resigning as of 1/17 for a position outside the company.
He started on October 26th

Now at Mt. Rose

ILOVE2SKI

I think a HSQ/6 could really change the way Attitash skis. Would love to see them open up the lift line as an official trail too. Attitash has some great steeps up top. I wonder if a 6 would be a bit too much traffic though.

newpylong

Most likely yes. I think a HSQ is likely a better fit, but have not been privy to any traffic analysis. Having functioning snowmaking on Wilfreds again also changes things.

Sully

HSQ is a better fit, but the draw of having the MWV's only bubble six would be enough to go for it.

obienick

Vail never installs bubbles.

ILOVE2SKI

I hate bubble lifts, especially in a “Covid” world. Fresh air, please and thank you.

shpride

ILOVE2SKI;c-52861 wroteI hate bubble lifts, especially in a “Covid” world. Fresh air, please and thank you.

100% agreed. Even pre-COVID I preferred the Yankee Clipper over the bubble but now I don’t want to touch the bubble. When I went to Mt Snow in November we never put the bubble down.

jaytrem

obienick;c-52860 wroteVail never installs bubbles.

Sure they do, they just installed one at Okemo. They just don't buy them. :smile:

I wouldn't have been surprised if they didn't keep the when they did the move.