AUBURN, Maine – A small Maine ski area is getting ready to debut their first new chairlift built since 1971. Crews with Lost Valley Ski Area have been working hard during the offseason to get Lift #3, a double lift picked up from Connecticut’s Mt. Southington, ready for the winter.
The new double lift will follow the old T-Bar line on the Coyote Trail, increasing the ski area’s uphill capacity while reducing lift lines around the base area. The chair will provide access to all terrain from beginner to expert (and glades), while reducing the distance and time skiers and snowboarders will have to travel to get back up the mountian.
The concrete on the final tower pad was poured on September 25, marking the last update from the ski area on the chair’s progress. Additionally, according to News Center Maine, Lost Valley has seen some snowmaking improvements and new lights for night skiing built around the area this off season. Forms for the lift towers are currently being built, with the chair expected to debut at some point this winter.
“This is huge for us, for this little ski area. We make snow more days than we did 40 years ago, so you’ve got to keep up or you fall behind. And you’re constantly trying to provide a better product for your customers.” – Co-owner Scott Shanaman
I grew up going to Lost Valley for night skiing. Though it’s certainly a small area, it’s got plenty of terrain to keep you entertained, and is a great place for learners and families without spending a ton of money or traveling super far (it’s within 30 minutes to an hour of many major towns and cities in the state).