The "Sugarbush Thread"

[tumbler]

Speaking of Mt. Ellen: I don't recall why Sunny D was replaced. Yes it was a very old lift, but I don't ever remember it having issues. Maybe just to hard to get parts for an old lift? And yes, it goes from a double to a quad, but it rarely has a full line

Because making it into a quad made it iconic.

The legendary Sugarbush Parks crew continues to deliver, at Mt. Ellen you’ll find 94 features on Riemergasse and another 28 on Sugar Run, all serviced by the iconic Sunny Quad

 

[mikec142]

NRX is next on the list. I believe the planning and permitting process is happening now. It was originally scheduled for '26 construction but I think the permitting process is taking longer than anticipated. March/April is generally the time when Alterra (and Vail) announce their capital projects for the year. I suppose we will see if NRX replacement gets funded. Not sure there's enough bailing wire, WD-40 and bubble gum to keep it going much longer.

I hesitate to get political, but if there was ever an example of how over regulation of industry is harmful, this is it. We are talking replacing an already existing lift with a new one.

 

[crystalmountainskier]

Are they bank rolling this? I took this pic yesterday at DV. An absolutely massive lodge and 10 new lifts..and 100 new trails.

View attachment 68221View attachment 68222View attachment 68223

Not Alterra's capital. They are renting the place.

 

[crystalmountainskier]

I hesitate to get political, but if there was ever an example of how over regulation of industry is harmful, this is it. We are talking replacing an already existing lift with a new one.

No sign of Sugarbush even starting the Act 250 process. I believe the impediment to NRX replacement is Alterra funding priorities, not permit issues. Killington started Act 250 for Snowdon mid-winter and construction will start soon.

 

[Boxtop Willie]

No sign of Sugarbush even starting the Act 250 process. I believe the impediment to NRX replacement is Alterra funding priorities, not permit issues. Killington started Act 250 for Snowdon mid-winter and construction will start soon.

I may be miss-remembering but didn't Hammond say at Community Day last October that North Ridge was to be replaced in '27?

 

[solar]

I think that was the 2023 community day. In '24 it was noted it was still 'on hold' and in '25 there was no discussion about Northridge at all.

This is all I could find from '23 through;

The Valley Reporter - MRVPD drafting five-year work plan

Planning is underway at the MRVPD offices

www.valleyreporter.com

 

[Newpylong]

Even in Vermont there would be next to no ACT 250 hold ups replacing NRX. It's a one-to-one replacement, without increasing capacity, so minimal lift line tree or earthwork. I am guessing minimal blasting, etc.

Sunny D was a '63 Stadeli. Stadeli's were reliable lifts, even though Dopp acquired the brand, you would largely be robbing boneyards for parts.

 

[urungus]

was discussed on page 782 of this thread https://forums.alpinezone.com/threads/the-sugarbush-thread.4170/page-782

 

[crystalmountainskier]

was discussed on page 782 of this thread https://forums.alpinezone.com/threads/the-sugarbush-thread.4170/page-782

Clearly plans changed. My understanding is Alterra pulled several projects last year in order to fund a new Rainier Express at Crystal Mountain. That was an absolute emergency with the existing lift barely functional (1988 Poma.) North Ridge is only two years newer so maybe it goes next year.

 

[tumbler]

I could be wrong but I think I recall that part of the permitting was handling all the cell antennas that are on the top terminal.

 

[vtboarder]

I noticed they finally marked NR as closed, perhaps in response to my less than happy convo with guest services about marking it as "delayed" for four days.

 

[1dog]

I hesitate to get political, but if there was ever an example of how over regulation of industry is harmful, this is it. We are talking replacing an already existing lift with a new one.

Everything is political- when 'they' make you think you can't criticize say, over regulation, for example, that's a way to keep power.

Why would anyone want to start a business or take a risk with that amount of reg.

No more small mom and pops anything.

Or even locally owned by well-to-do folks.

Just. Not. Worth. It.

 

[cdskier]

Some horrible grooming understandable for How soft it got
Hopefully tonight they hit more
Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and nice
Wednesday rain then who knows what
Pretty sad difference in two days and we're not done
Preserving the sno pack? No such thing groom man groom

Hit more? They plan to hit less tonight per the snow report since temps aren't going below freezing...

 

[Lotso]

No freeze 'til Thursday night. Grooming will make it worse and does increase melting if the snow can't freeze once the tiller heats it up. Better off letting it sit.

 

[ducky]

The NRX process may have been slowed by the passing of Margo Wade, SB's longtime planning person. https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/obit/21005-margaret-bullock-wade

 

[Hawk]

Back from the Dolomites. Beautiful weather and plenty of sun. Could have used a little more snow but still such a memorable trip. The place never ceases to amaze me with the adventures, food and beauty. We are going to retire and spend at least a month each year there. Just have to figure out the best launching point.

 

[fulgoreXC]

I may be miss-remembering but didn't Hammond say at Community Day last October that North Ridge was to be replaced in '27?

I missed his talk but that sounds right. Back a few years ago it was to be HG '24 and NRX in '26. Since there is no activity on the A250 front to date, '27 would be the earliest. I wonder how K was able to pull off Snowdon so quickly. The permitting process is usually 12-18 months.

 

[fulgoreXC]

The NRX process may have been slowed by the passing of Margo Wade, SB's longtime planning person. https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/obit/21005-margaret-bullock-wade

She will be dearly missed. The team up there have big shoes to fill.

 

[jimmywilson69]

I missed his talk but that sounds right. Back a few years ago it was to be HG '24 and NRX in '26. Since there is no activity on the A250 front to date, '27 would be the earliest. I wonder how K was able to pull off Snowdon so quickly. The permitting process is usually 12-18 months.

because they are replacing the lift in the same place with minimal grading and likely no tree cutting.

 

[cdskier]

I missed his talk but that sounds right. Back a few years ago it was to be HG '24 and NRX in '26. Since there is no activity on the A250 front to date, '27 would be the earliest. I wonder how K was able to pull off Snowdon so quickly. The permitting process is usually 12-18 months.

Are we basing ACT250 activity on submission date in the ACT250 database? Or is there some outside process not captured in the online portal? I only ask because Valley House, Village, and Sunny Q were all only submitted formally in April of the same year the replacements were done per the ACT 250 database records. HG was submitted a little earlier (February of the year it was replaced).