“Since 1971, Wilbere has been a cornerstone of good times at The Bird. Named for Ted Johnson’s wife, Wilma (affectionately known as Wilbere), this beloved original two-seater has been home to local powder stashes, Mountain School memories, last laps and more for over 5 decades. Join us tomorrow in saying farewell on its final day before it undergoes much-needed updates this summer.”
Bittersweet day for all you Snowbird skiers and snowboarders as the Wilbere Chairlift will board final passengers after 50+ years of faithful service. The old two person lift will be replaced by a quad which will double the uphill capacity and the new lift will feature a conveyer belt at the loading station. Thanks for all the rides Wilbere, you’re a beaut!
Snowbird’s original Wilbere Lift—installed for the mountain’s opening in 1971 and named for Founder Ted Johnson’s wife and partner, Wilma—is scheduled for a replacement starting in the late spring of 2024. The current fixed-grip double chair will transform into a fixed-grip quad chairlift, increasing the uphill capacity. The loading station, featuring a conveyor belt loading system, will move from its current location on Creek Road to the Creekside base area, near the Bryce Astle Training Center, making the chair more accessible from parking lots. The top station will remain near its current area, accessing the same terrain. Upgrades are exciting but nostalgia is real. Get your last laps on the original Wilbere Lift this season before it’s transformed for the future
