Arapahoe Basin, CO – December 29, 2009 – Detachable quad chairlift to replace current base area triple chair.

This summer A-Basin Ski Area will begin construction on a new detachable quad chairlift.   The new lift will replace the Exhibition fixed grip triple chair located in the base area, which was installed in 1978.  The new lift will have a capacity of 2000 people per hour, a length of 2877 feet and have a vertical rise of 719 feet.  The ride time will be just under three minutes, half the time of the current lift ride from base area to mid-mountain. 

Construction is scheduled for mid-June and will not impact the current season’s closing date (tentatively scheduled for June 6, 2010).  The top terminal of the new lift will be slightly realigned uphill and to the west away from Black Mountain Lodge.  The lower terminal will remain in the same location.

A contract has been signed with Leitner-Poma to build and install the lift which will cost approximately four million dollars.  The new detachable lift will enable beginner and intermediate guests to load and unload more easily, resulting in fewer stops and starts on the ride to mid-mountain.  In addition, with the new quad chairlift, Black Mountain Lodge will be more accessible for weddings and special events throughout the year.  

Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin COO and General Manager is excited to upgrade the current lift, “With its increased capacity, shorter ride time, and ease of loading, the new detachable chairlift will be a tremendous benefit for our guests.  The new lift will provide rapid, easy access to the upper mountain, Montezuma Bowl, and Black Mountain Lodge. Each year we receive hundreds of comments suggesting we make this change. Finally, after working on this project for the last five years, we are very excited to christen a new chairlift for the 2010-2011 season.”

Photo of similar lift at Marmot Basin, Alberta, Canada.  Photo courtesy of Leitner-Poma.

Arapahoe Basin is taking suggestions for the name of the new lift.  A 2010-2011 Arapahoe Basin Season Pass or $300 gift certificate to Arapahoe Sports will be given to the person whose suggestion is selected. If multiple people provide the winning selection, the award will be given to the first suggestion received.

Send suggestions to alanh@a-basin.net