“Fitz will go from a 4-person to an 8-person high-speed chair, reducing wait times and significantly increasing uphill capacity in winter and summer.”
Bittersweet day up at Whistler Blackcomb as they began the planned demolition of the Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift.
The 4-person lift known by locals as Fitz was installed in 2000 and will be replaced by a high speed 8-pack. Pique News reports the new Fitzsimmons Express lift was originally built and designed for Park City, another Vail Resorts property, until that project stymied by permitting delays. The replacement lift is being stored in Utah and will be delivered to Whistler later this month.
While the video below may look destructive, much of the existing Fitz chair will be repurposed. The rope is destined for Breckenridge and the grips are going to Whistler’s Peak Chair. The chairs will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
“Farewell, old friend – you served us well. Yesterday, demolition of the lower station of Fitzsimmons Express began and with it, so did the end of an era. Over the next few days, work will continue to clear the base area of the lift. As a result, ski out on Whistler Mountain to Whistler Village will be closed. Guests seeking access to the Village from Whistler Mountain can download via Whistler Village Gondola Olympic Station. Alternatively, you can side load the Peak 2 Peak Gondola across to Blackcomb Mountain, and ski out to the Village via Green Line and Village Run, down to the Fitz Bus Loop. Please continue to adhere to all safety”
