Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman

Copper Mountain ski map. Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman.

Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman

In a letter from Copper GM and President Dustin Lyman, he expressed that overall, they had a successful ski season, with 313 inches of snow, receiving 98 inches in March alone, breaking the record of the resort’s snowfall for the month since the opening date, 47 years ago.

Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman.
Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman.

Copper has welcome IKON passholders for the first time and will keep on partnering with Alterra on the IKON pass next season, in addition to offering Copper Season Passes and Four Packs. With Copper’s new Premier and Premier Pass Plus options, guests will receive special access to select lifts just at the former Secret Pass offered, but a host of other benefits including the Athletic Club and close-in parking to maximise the guests’ time at the resort.

Copper Mountain is having a USD 100 million multi-year transformation and will continue this summer with several projects on and off the mountain. The new Tucker Mountain lift will provide access to expert terrain that was previously accessible only via snowcat or by hiking. It will run from the base of the Blackjack lift to the top of The Taco. Solitude Station will be no more as of the 2020/21 season as they are constructing a brand new 25,000 square foot mid-mountain lodge that will include a full – service casual restaurant, full-service bar and lounge, private dining area, cafeteria and incredible views of the Ten Mile Range.

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Crested Butte’s Teocalli Lift Replacement Approved by U.S. Forest Service

Teocalli lift - Photo: Peter Landsmen- KBUT radio. Crested Butte’s Teocalli Lift Replacement Approved by U.S. Forest Service.

​Crested Butte’s Teocalli Lift Replacement Approved by U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service has approved the replacement of the Teocalli Lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR). Beginning in early-May 2019, CBMR will begin removing the existing Teocalli Lift to replace and realign the lift for an improved on-mountain guest experience. The upgraded lift will debut in the 2019-20 winter season.

The old Teocalli lift base- photo: Coloradoskihistory.com - Crested Butte’s Teocalli Lift Replacement Approved by U.S. Forest Service.
The old Teocalli lift base- photo: Coloradoskihistory.com – Crested Butte’s Teocalli Lift Replacement Approved by U.S. Forest Service.

CBMR will replace the Teocalli Lift – a 1979 Riblet fixed-grip double chairlift – with an upgraded fixed-grip quad chairlift. By increasing the operating speed and subsequent spacing between the chairs – to accommodate the increased operating speed – the new Teocalli Lift will increase uphill capacity by more than 50 percent. The upper terminal of the Teocalli Lift will be shifted closer to the top of the Red Lady Express, while the lower terminal will remain in the existing location at the intersection of the Bushwacker, Gunsight Pass and Upper Conundrum trails.

After the existing Teocalli Lift is removed, site preparation and foundation work is expected to begin in July with the new Teocalli Lift being installed in August, weather and conditions depending.

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The World’s Longest Panoramic Gondola Lift Will Open in Serbia

Tornik ski resort. Elnea Lupsor photo. Wikipedia. The World's Longest Panoramic Gondola Lift Will Open in Serbia.

The World’s Longest Panoramic Gondola Lift Will Open in Serbia

From POMA

The Zlatibor Gold Gondola Lift, at the heart of a major tourist project linking the town of Zlatibor with the Tornik ski resort by air, via lake Ribničko.

Located in the popular tourist town of Zlatibor, within the municipality of Čajetina in Serbia, this new 9-km gondola lift has eclipsed the previous record-holder, the Tianmen Shan cable car (China) measuring 7.4 km. The total journey time is 25 minutes and treats passengers, skiers, hikers and walkers to breathtaking panoramic views of Zlatibor and its golden pine-covered mountain slopes, which gave the mountain its name (‘zlatni’ meaning ‘golden’ and ‘bor’ meaning ‘pine tree’ in Serbian). A project that is part of continuity since POMA had already participated in 2007 in the Tornik ski resort modernisation by installing the first detachable chairlift of Serbia.

The World's Longest Panoramic Gondola Lift Will Open in Serbia.
The World’s Longest Panoramic Gondola Lift Will Open in Serbia.

Tourist activities on offer near all stations

The line connects the tourist hub of Zlatibor to Tornik’s summit, which peaks at an altitude of 1,496 metres. Zlatibor, also known as Kraljeve Vode (‘King’s Water’), has been a renowned Serbian tourist resort since the 19th century, particularly prized for its climate, its setting and its snowy slopes.

This new gondola lift is part of the overall drive to strengthen and diversify the region’s tourist attractions. Around the downhill resort in the centre of Zlatibor, the municipality is planning to build the biggest adventure park of the Balkans (1,000 m²); it will offer numerous leisure activities, such as zip wires, hanging bridges, tobogganing and climbing.

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Cerro Bayo to create a new chairlift departure at 1400 meters

Cerro Bayo gondola - Photo courtesy of Roberto Thostrup- Cerro Bayo. Cerro Bayo to create a new chairlift departure at 1400 meters.

Cerro Bayo to create a new chairlift departure at 1400 meters

Cerro Bayo in Villa La Angostura, Neuquén province in the Lake Region of Argentina, is to create a new chairlift departure, 100 meters higher than were it was before, now at 1,400 meters.

Excavating the ground to place the new start of the quad chairlift. Photo courtesy of Roberto Thostrup- Cerro Bayo. Cerro Bayo to create a new chairlift departure at 1400 meters.
Excavating the ground to place the new start of the quad chairlift. Photo courtesy of Roberto Thostrup- Cerro Bayo. Cerro Bayo to create a new chairlift departure at 1400 meters.

This is due to the snow line getting higher over the years (the snow line is the linw from where the snow naturally falls each season). This chairlift is a double chairlift, that, even it is not new, it will modernise the area and give more uphill capacity, specially to the younger skiers. In this way, the resort of Cerro Bayo can secure the use of this ski circuit area at the end of its ski season in the month of September.

The ski season in Cerro Bayo goes from June 23rd to September 23rd, if snow conditions allow. Cerro Bayo is known as a boutique resort, with amazing views of the Lago Nahuel Huapi and proximity to Villa La Angostura, one of the more exclusive areas of the Lake Region in Patagonia with lovely hotels, cabins and gourmet restaurants. Close to the San Carlos de Bariloche airport, this small resort is for the discerning client that want something great for their families and something exclusive as well.

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Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County

Eldora Mountain Resort ski map. Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County.

Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County

From the Mountain Ear

Gilpin County. Eldora Mountain Resort requested approval of a Special Use Permit for the expansion of Eldora Ski Resort into northern Gilpin County on March 5, 2019, at the Gilpin County Courthouse. The proposal included construction of a lift return and a lift operator building, on property owned by Tolland Ranch, LLC. The owner has given written consent and approval to this application.

During the hearing, the Community Development Director, Stephen Strohminger, said that there would be no new roads that this development would incur, and no vehicular traffic of any kind will be present except for heavy equipment when needed for maintenance. No impacts to water quality or quantity are expected.

Eldora Mountain Resort's sign. Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County.
Eldora Mountain Resort’s sign. Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County.

The USFS Rocky Mountain Region has conducted an environmental impact report and has approved this project. The proposed Jolly Jug Lift is expected to be approximately 3,250 feet in length with half of the line in Gilpin County, and a structure to house a composting toilet system.

The bottom of the proposed lift is approximately 4.5 miles from Highway 119 and 1.6 miles to the south to Tolland Road, as the crow flies. No negative visual impacts to views and vistas are expected based on the information given.

The new lift would provide access to existing runs on the front and back side of Eldora and additional intermediate and expert level terrain on the south side of the mountain. Eldora General Manager Brent Tregaskis said, “This lift really fills that void at a very high level.” Skiers would be able to ride the Sundance Chair, ski down to the Jolly Jug Lift, and ride to the top of the ridge.”

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Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season

Scenics at Squaw Valley Mountain Resort in Olympic Valley, California.Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.

Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season

The Investment is Part of $555 Million Improvement Plan through 2022/2023

Alterra Mountain Company announces its plans to invest $181 million in capital improvements across its 14 North American mountain destinations for the upcoming year. Marquee 2019/2020 projects aimed at enhancing the guest experience include new high-speed lifts at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Winter Park, direct to lift access at Deer Valley Resort, an expansive renovation of the Bobbie Burns lodge at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, and an upgrade of Steamboat’s gondola.

This year’s $181 million plan includes $32.3 million towards improved gondolas and lifts, a $27.1 million investment in innovation to offer customer-friendly technology, $8.3 million towards state-of-the-art snowmaking, $6.2 million dedicated to expanded dining experiences, $6.3 million in summer activity investments, and nearly $10 million in planning efforts to unlock future potential terrain and lift expansions, base area developments, new dining facilities, and four-season activity offerings.

These capital projects are part of an ambitious improvement plan totaling more than half a billion dollars through the 2022/2023 season, focused on elevating the guest experience at all destinations, after an initial $170 million investment for the 2018/2019 season.

“Alterra Mountain Company’s unique year-round mountain destinations offer skiers, riders and summer visitors of all ages from all over the world special, memorable experiences, and each aspect of our business plays a part in bringing the guest back year after year and inspiring a lifelong love of the mountains,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company.  “We are committed to investing in everything from lifts to snowmaking to creative dining experiences, and technology that weaves it all together for a seamless visit.”

Early Morning KT-22 Bluebird powder day at Squaw Valley USA. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.
Early Morning KT-22 Bluebird powder day at Squaw Valley USA. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.

Significant improvements for the 2019/2020 season include:

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will replace the Hot Wheels lift at Alpine Meadows with a new high-speed quad with an extended second leg to the ridge, granting skiers and riders quicker access to the Alpine and Sherwood areas. New surface lifts at High Camp at Squaw Valley will improve connectivity with High Camp facilities and enhance the beginner experience.

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Deer Valley Resort will have direct-to-lift access for winter 19/20 after an investment in RFID technology. This will streamline and speed up the on-mountain experience, and Ikon Pass holders will no longer have to visit the ticket window, giving skiers more time on the mountain.

Deer Valley Resort - a Family enjoys their time out. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.
Deer Valley Resort – a Family enjoys their time out. Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season.

Continue reading “Alterra Mountain Company Announces $181 Million in Capital Improvements for the 2019/2020 Winter Season”

Breuil-Cervinia: chairlift failure: 27 skiers recovered by helicopter

Breuil-Cervinia: chairlift failure: 27 skiers recovered by helicopter

From Aostasera.it

VALTOURNENCHE – Due to a strong and sudden gust of wind the ski lift stopped and it was necessary the intervention of the Valle d’Aosta mountain rescue for the evacuation of skiers.

It took about fifty minutes for the recovery of 27 skiers stuck yesterdat morning on the Cretaz chairlift in Breuil-Cervinia. As explained by the President of Cervino Spa, Federico Maquignaz, a strong and sudden gust of wind blocked the ski lift, in the valley station, and it was necessary the intervention of the Aosta Valley Alpine rescue for the evacuation of skiers, all in good condition.

On the spot, with the help of the helicopter, technical guides of the Valdostano Alpine Rescue and of the Guardia di Finanza and, on the ground, operated by cableway operators have worked.

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More than 150 evacuated from stuck chairlift at Stowe, VT.

Stowe Mountain Resort. More than 150 evacuated from stuck chairlift at Stowe, VT.

More than 150 evacuated from stuck chairlift at Stowe, VT.

From The State – AP

STOWE, VT.

State regulators are looking into why a chairlift stopped running at a Vermont ski resort, prompting the evacuation of approximately 160 skiers and snowboarders.

Stowe Mountain Resort. More than 150 evacuated from stuck chairlift at Stowe, VT.
Stowe Mountain Resort. More than 150 evacuated from stuck chairlift at Stowe, VT.

The Lookout Double lift stopped operating around 10:30 a.m. Sunday because of an interruption in the electrical system, Stowe Mountain Resort spokesman Jeff Wise said in a written statement. An auxiliary engine also did not work so the ski patrol started evacuating the lift at 10:45 a.m. using rope to rappel people down. All guests were safely off the lift by about 1 p.m., Wise said.

Some were stranded for hours. Keri Crafts, of Burlington, and her two daughters were about halfway up when the lift stopped. She told WCAX-TV they sat there for about 2 ½ hours, and at one point, she saw people start to jump from chairs to the ground.

“We got off and we were so frozen, it was probably 20 degrees, maybe,” she said. “With the winds and snow, many people we talked to were like, we can’t even ski down,” said Keri Crafts of Burlington.”

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Jammu (Gulmarg) Cable Car Accident: 2 workers died and four injured

Gulmarg- Unsplash photo by Anjali Mehta. Jammu (Gulmarg) Cable Car Accident: 2 workers died and four injured.

Jammu (Gulmarg) Cable Car Accident: 2 workers died and four injured.

News from NDTV and Greater Kashmir News:

Two workers were killed, and four others were injured on Sunday after a cable car of the Jammu ropeway project where work is going on, crashed during a mock rescue drill, days before it was likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said.

The crash took place due to some technical snag near Mahamaya temple, a police officer said.

The executing agency was conducting a mock rescue drill and due to imbalance, one of the trolleys carrying six workers fell down.

One of them, 45-year-old Rakesh Kumar from Bihar, died on the spot. The rest five – Hari Krishan (45), Manjeet Singh (32) and Lovely of West Bengal, Ravinder (30) of Uttar Pradesh, and Engineer Balkirat Singh (32) of Jammu and Kashmir – were rushed to Government Medical College hospital where Mr Krishan died, they said.

Jammu (Gulmarg) Cable Car Accident: 2 workers died and four injured.
Jammu (Gulmarg) Cable Car Accident: 2 workers died and four injured. Gulmarg in Kashmir is a very renown ski area in India by its beautiful landscapes.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 5 lakh to family of those who died. He also directed the divisional administration to provide free medical treatment to the injured, an official spokesman said.

On the instructions of the Governor, advisor Khurshid Ahmed Ganai and Chief Secretary BVR Subramanyam visited the injured people at the hospital late on Sunday. The Chief Secretary also visited the accident site, the spokesman said.

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An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway

An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway

The operation of the Säntis suspension railway (Säntisbahn), from the Schwägalp to the Säntis, will be closed during the next months. The reason for this is the damage to the structure of the first ropeway support, which was affected by an avalanche.

For safety reasons, the operation of the Säntis suspension railway will be suspended until further notice. Neither guests nor employees are transported by the suspension railway. the reason for this is the damage in the lower part of the cable car support. Due to an avalanche decline in the period of Sunday, January 13 and Monday, January 14, the avalanche protection of the prop and the structural construction were affected.

It cannot be said yet how big the damage to the support and the construction is. One must, however, assume that the damage is substantial, and the repair work could take months. In the worst-case scenario, the support will even have to be completely replaced. A project team of experts is currently evaluating the damage and will plan how to proceed with the risk accessed correctly.

An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway
An avalanche affected the structure of the Säntis suspension railway

The recent avalanche occurred at the time when the rescue and clearing work of the previous avalanche of 10 January was discontinued on Schwägalp and the access of the whole area was locked for all people. The reason for the interruption of this work was the heavy snowfall associated with the increased avalanche danger. Like the renewed event showed, the risk was correctly assessed by the professionals. Between the first avalanche event and the one that damaged the prop there was a snowfall of 1.5 meters of fresh snow. This strong snowfall, in combination with high wind in the peaks may have led to a renewed avalanche.

This new avalanche had less snow mass displaced than the first avalanche event.  Accordingly, the snow also did not penetrate to the Schwägalp, but came to standstill before.

Due to this recent event, it is assumed that the suspension railway operation Säntis will stop for months. For the employees of the Säntis, the decision of the suspension railway has no consequences, neither financially nor with respect to their employment.

What this means for the current renovation work of the summit restaurant on the Säntis cannot be assessed at this moment. The economic effects cannot be estimated yet. However, the most important thing is to give guests and employees the highest level of safety and security.

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