New Zealand ski bums are pouring one out for the Shadow Basin chairlift at The Remarkables.
The New Zealand ski resort has announced that the 38-year-old chairlift is being replaced by a high-speed detachable six-pack chairlift. The new chairlift will increase the uphill capacity from 1,500 riders to 2,400 people per hour. Another major change is the ride time, with it going from over 8 minutes to a brisk less than four-minute trip.
This new chairlift will travel further up the mountain, adding 116 acres of lift-serviced terrain (50% more than its predecessor). Previously non-lift-accessible runs like Alta Chute, Boulder Basin, East-Face, The Nose, Front Face, and Sunrise Face will be directly accessible from the top terminal. Meanwhile, the Elevator and Escalator chutes will require a small uphill boot pack.
The project has been in the works for a couple of years now, with Stuff reporting that the proposal was approved by the Department of Conservation in September. This approval was in spite of some resistance from conservationists.
The new chairlift will help the ski resort work on various revitalization projects at Shadow Basin. The Calypso Trail will be enlarged by 363 meters (around 1191 feet), allowing for an easy way down from the top of the chairlift. For the first time ever, they will be installing snowmaking in Shadow Basin. Eighteen snow guns will allow for early and late-season access to the terrain pod.
With The Remarkables just wrapping up their 2023 season, the deconstruction process for the old Shadow Basin chairlift has begun.
The new chairlift is expected to open during the 2024 winter season.
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Image/Video Credits: The Remarkables
