Stratton: Snow Bowl Express Opens

Southern Vermont’s highest peak  debuted its new high-speed Snow Bowl Express quad. The new lift is the highlight of Stratton Mountain’s $10 million capital plan. “Constructing a new lift is an elaborate, in-depth project and the cooperation and coordination needed between every team member is vital,” says Paul Maitland, senior manager of mountain operations at Stratton Mountain. “Despite challenging weather conditions, we’re incredibly excited to debut the Snow Bowl Express and kick 2019 off with enhanced access to some of Stratton’s most storied terrain.”

The project began at the close of last season with the removal of the old lift, which went to neighboring Magic Mountain Ski Area. Work was paused from May 15 to August 1 during the nesting season of the rare Bicknell’s thrush songbird. Once the nesting period passed, work began on pouring the terminal and tower bases. By the beginning of November, Doppelmayr USA had completed the top terminal, lower terminal and flown in all lift towers.

Working with Ecosign, a world leader in creative design solutions, the new high-speed quad is positioned to minimize the impact of wind, with lower towers that hug tree line and a parking rail for the 98 chairs to help combat overnight icing. Uphill lift capacity has increased to 37,528 skiers per hour making Stratton a leader in the state of Vermont for uphill access. Ride time is reduced from 14 to five minutes, allowing skiers and riders to lap a variety of terrain from beginner favorites like the Meadows to more challenging runs like Drifter and Spruce. In addition, the new lift shacks have been crafted of locally sourced wood for a classic Vermont vibe.

“The new Snow Bowl lift has topped our priority list,” says Stratton President and COO Bill Nupp. “This high-speed chairlift enhance flow, access and reliability.”