Resort to run Chair 2 for summer
It remains unknown if the main chair lift to the summit of Big Mountain will open this summer after a ground slump near a tower on Chair 1 closed the lift indefinitely. A helicopter was brought in by Whitefish Mountain Resort June 24 to remove the tower while crews formulate a plan of action.
“At this time we do not know when or if Chair 1 and lift access to the summit will be available this summer,” Whitefish Mountain Resort President Dan Graves said.
The slump was discovered last week and was likely caused by excessive moisture this spring.
The resort will run Chair 2 for its scenic lift ride attraction while the main chair is down. The target date for opening Chair 2 is Saturday, July 2
“Running Chair 2 will be a nostalgic experience, as the old T-bar ran up the same line in the 1950s with single chairs.”
In 1950, 28 single chairs were added to the T-bar to allow for scenic lift rides in the summer. Today Chair 2 is a detachable quad lift with 87 chairs and reaches the same summit as the original T-bar at 5,843 feet.
Prices for round trip scenic rides will be $8 for adults and $5 for juniors and seniors (7-12 and 65-69). The scenic lift is free for children 6 and under, adults 70 and older, and 2010/11 winter season pass holders. One way tickets are $4. The lift will be open from 10 a.m. and last ride up 5:30 p.m.
Prior to opening Chair 2 for summer service, Whitefish Mountain Resort maintenance crews will need to build ramps to allow pedestrians to load and unload at the bottom and top of the lift. Crews will also need to build bike racks for the chair.
Mountain bikers will be able to access the Summit Trail from the top of Chair 2. Hiking is not allowed on this trail. Tickets are required for both the rider and bike. Bike tickets only are Adults (13-64): $13 for one ride, $18 for 2 rides, $23 all day. Juniors (7-12) and Seniors (65-69): $9 for one ride, $12 for 2 rides, $15 for all day.
At this time, there are nearly 12 miles of mountain biking trails open on the lower mountain. Upper mountain biking trails including Runaway Train, The Shire Skills Park and the upper section of Summit Trail are still closed due to snow and lack of lift access to the summit. Trail crews are currently working on getting the Summit Trail open below Chair Two by July 2.
The Summit Nature Center has been moved temporarily to the top floor of the Base Lodge. It will open to the public Saturday, June 25.
Additionally this week, crews completed an improvement project on the zipline known as “Heaven.” Maintenance crews realigned the span adding 125 feet in length and 30 feet in height.