“We’re coming full circle in lift innovation from the world’s first bubble chairlift in 1963, to the Midwest’s first modern bubble lift with unrivaled guest comfort, speed, energy efficiency, and safety in 2023. This will be the most kid-friendly and safest lift ever built. The addition of Camelot 6 will transform the guest experience on the southern end of our slopes for all levels of skiers and riders.”– Mike Chumbler, President and General Manager of The Highlands
Yet another bubble chairlift is coming to a Boyne Resorts property, this time in Michigan. The Highlands at Harbor Springs, which used to be known as Boyne Highlands, announced that they will be adding a bubble six-pack detachable chairlift for the 2023-24 season. Named Camelot Six, the new bubble chairlift will replace the Camelot, Valley, and MacGully chairlifts. Some of the features of this D-Line bubble chairlift include a three-minute lift ride, the first fully automatic safety bar system in the country, heated seats, footrests, tinted bubbles that protect riders from the weather, a loading carpet conveyer, and more. The lift will be located near the resort’s Day Lodge area, and serve as a summer lift for sightseers and mountain bikers. Construction will begin in Spring 2023, with an opening set for the 2023-24 season.
My views on this are mixed. I should start with a disclaimer: I’ve never skied at The Highlands. I am personally a big fan of bubble lifts, with the Kanc8 at Loon Mountain being one of my favorite lifts anywhere. I’d even say I like bubble chairlifts more than gondolas. With the Camelot 6 having only a ride time of three minutes though, I would personally not even put the bubble down, even though it will automatically go up. On the other hand, it’s cool throwback to their bubble chairlift that opened in 1963. Ultimately, I feel like a regular high-speed six-pack would have been the best choice here.
What do you think of The Highlands new lift? A video of the bubble chairlift is below.
Image/Video Credits: The Highlands At Harbor Springs
