Red River, New Mexico – It’s been a busy offseason for Red River Ski & Summer Area.
Work is currently underway to replace the Copper Chair. This fixed-grip double chairlift, installed in 1993, is being replaced with a new Doppelmayr fixed-grip triple chairlift. The chairlift will follow the same alignment, with the only difference being that they’re slightly moving up the top terminal to improve skier circulation. The new chairlift will have an operating capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour and a length of around 4500 feet.
Here’s a rundown of what’s happened so far with construction. The lift closed for good on March 14th due to a maintenance issue. Removal of the chairlift began in April, as the old chairs were sold to guests. The various parts of the new chairlift arrived, and the concrete foundations were poured.
On Monday, helicopter crews from Timberline Helicopters and Doppelmayr installed all the lift towers. These high-flying efforts require multiple individuals to climb the ladder on the lift towers to connect the sheaves, brittle bars, cable catchers, and cross arms.
If you’d like to check out the new lift construction, Red River has a variety of summer activities, including scenic chairlift rides. As always, please stay out of the construction zone.
Image Credits: Red River Ski & Summer Area