Congratulations to the folks at The Remarkables Ski Area in Queenstown, New Zealand who are putting the finishing touches on their new Shadow Basin Chairlift which will open up 50% more lift-accessible terrain in Shadow Basin and reduce ride times by 50%. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for the end of June but if conditions cooperate, you may be able to get a few “sneaky runs” in beforehand:
NEARLY 50% MORE TERRAIN
The new higher chairlift alignment increases lift-accessible terrain in Shadow Basin by 47 hectares, which is nearly 50% more than the existing chairlift. Some of The Remarkables best advanced and expert freeride runs will now be accessible directly from the lift, without the need to hike, including Alta Chute, Boulder Basin, East-Face, The Nose, Front Face and Sunrise Face, while Elevator and Escalator chutes will be just a short bootpack away. The groomed, intermediate-level Calypso Trail will also be extended by 363m, providing even more fun and flowy on-piste terrain.
TWICE AS FAST
Travel time on the new Shadow Basin Chairlift will reduce by more than half, from over 8 minutes to less than 4 minutes. With detachable chairs and padded seats, it will also be easier and much more comfortable to ride. Six people will be able to sit on each chair, compared to the existing 4-seater, increasing lift capacity from 1,500 riders to 2,400 riders per hour.
