The "Sugarbush Thread"

[fulgoreXC]

Anyone who reads this forum knows that NRX is a zombie lift. It is part Poma/part Doppelmeyer. It's been so long I can't remember which part is which, but at this point, it is irrelevant to this discussion. Plus it was stuck by lightning a few years back- that did not help things.

NRX is a key lift at North/Mt Ellen. Any competent management would recognize this, and prioritize it for replacement. Unfortunately, since the Alterra acquisition, we no longer have that at SB. North/Mt Ellen has always been the red headed stepchild of the mountain, so this is not likely to be a priority anytime soon.

I'll get off my soapbox for now, and say that we had a nice day on Thursday riding Slidebrook over after starting the day at Mt Ellen. It was fun to lap North Lynx for a few and head up to HG for some runs before we returned. I do not understand how anyone would take the bus over the SB lift. We had to do it last year one weekend day when literally everything at ME was on wind hold or broken around 9-9:30. We took the bus back and forth, and it was not pleasant. SB lift is a much better experience. I'm glad it is running this season.

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.

 

[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.

 

[STREETSKIER]

Was Some horrible grooming Today 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

 

[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...