New Lift At Saddleback

[UVSHTSTRM]

Saddleback will be installing the Saddleback Express Quad replacing the Rangley Double. I am not sure when this will happen, but this seems to be the first priority for lifts.

 

[Tooth]

I wonder when. A new lift or two over there and the pressure for Sugarloaf to step up will be on. I think its great. Saddleback is awesome. Heading in the right direction for sure.

 

[UVSHTSTRM]

I wonder when. A new lift or two over there and the pressure for Sugarloaf to step up will be on. I think its great. Saddleback is awesome. Heading in the right direction for sure.

I wan't to see the proposed West Bowl Lift go in.....from what I hear, it would be a pretty big addition to the expert/advanced terrain offered. Althought I have a feeling lifts going to new housing and rentals/hotels etc would be first up.

 

[wa-loaf]

They were ready to do this a couple years ago, but stopped because of the economic downturn. Hopefully they can pull it off this time.

 

[dropKickMurphy]

They were ready to do this a couple years ago, but stopped because of the economic downturn. Hopefully they can pull it off this time.

Maybe some foreign investment coming in?

http://www.pressherald.com/business...to-attract-foreign-investment_2011-10-26.html

 

[thetrailboss]

Very nice.

 

[xwhaler]

Is there any solid beta as to whether this is closer to reality? I love Saddleback and follow sugarloaftoday.com/chat pretty closely and havent seen anything concrete.
I know they want a new lift like the rest of us but so far I haven't seen anything official.

West Bowl lift would be good but I'd rate the Rangeley replacement as the top priority right now.

 

[Tooth]

Is there any solid beta as to whether this is closer to reality? I love Saddleback and follow sugarloaftoday.com/chat pretty closely and havent seen anything concrete.
I know they want a new lift like the rest of us but so far I haven't seen anything official.

West Bowl lift would be good but I'd rate the Rangeley replacement as the top priority right now.

I have no idea as to when but you remember hearing the Saddleback crew was at Doppelmayr last spring and was able to see the Skyline lift being fabricated? Talk was of some new lift coming back then. Ive heard of sugarloaftoday.com also. Great site. :wink:

 

[Edd]

Saddleback will be installing the Saddleback Express Quad replacing the Rangley Double. I am not sure when this will happen, but this seems to be the first priority for lifts.

Source?

 

[tipsdown]

Source?

http://www.usalifestylesinc.com/saddleback-project

Here's their capital. Fast-forward to about the 6 min mark regarding the Saddleback Express.

 

[Edd]

http://www.usalifestylesinc.com/saddleback-project

Here's their capital. Fast-forward to about the 6 min mark regarding the Saddleback Express.

That was interesting.

 

[xwhaler]

Certainly good news when/if it starts really getting going. The idea of a true base to sumitt signature lift is interesting but is the sumitt area large enough to support 2 quads unloading next to each other?

Also, the majority of the terrain up top is really more suited to advanced skiers who like steep groomers or powder hounds looking for the trees.
Unless they significantly expanded terrain offerings into the West Bowl with a focus on Blue squares, I'm not sure the lift going to the top would really add that much value compared to where it currently terminates.
I view the Rangeley chair as currently set up as a great setup for intermediates and those looking for nice cruisers.
There is not much intermediate level vertical to be gained by running the lift up to the top I don't think.
I have a feeling they will use the existing lift line, put a HSQ in there and maybe do a small restaurant up there (expand/revamp the current warming lodge)

 

[tipsdown]

Certainly good news when/if it starts really getting going. The idea of a true base to sumitt signature lift is interesting but is the sumitt area large enough to support 2 quads unloading next to each other?

Also, the majority of the terrain up top is really more suited to advanced skiers who like steep groomers or powder hounds looking for the trees.
Unless they significantly expanded terrain offerings into the West Bowl with a focus on Blue squares, I'm not sure the lift going to the top would really add that much value compared to where it currently terminates.
I view the Rangeley chair as currently set up as a great setup for intermediates and those looking for nice cruisers.
There is not much intermediate level vertical to be gained by running the lift up to the top I don't think.
I have a feeling they will use the existing lift line, put a HSQ in there and maybe do a small restaurant up there (expand/revamp the current warming lodge)

You bring up good points but here's how I see it.

If it followed the current line to the summit there would be space for 2-3 more blue cruisers on the front face in the America area. So those heading to the top of that lift would not be heading to the Kennebego area. They would ski the cruisers from the top, or drop into the advanced West Bowl. If they use the existing line and unload the quad in the same place, there's no gain, just more people. Sending skiers to the top while still having 3 seperate trail networks is a gain. I think it makes a lot of sense. Most mountains would love a layout where they could have 4-5 (maybe more if portions of West Bowl are tame enough) intermediate runs from the summit, with access to additional advanced terrain. There's enough vertical to justify doing it. As is, the lift unloads around 3500-3600 ft. The unload at the summit would be around 4k ft. That's a good jump
.
I do like your idea of the small restaurant though. You could do that regardless of where the lift unloads...