Bartlett, New Hampshire — A little over a month after a scandal struck Attitash Mountain Resort, things are back to normal at Bear Peak.
Yesterday, Attitash Mountain Resort announced that the Flying Bear chairlift has reopened. This 1995 Doppelmayr detachable high-speed quad chairlift goes to the top of the Bear Peak terrain pod, servicing intermediate and advanced terrain and glades.
The chairlift has been closed since February 3rd following a carrier falling off the haul rope, resulting in the sole passenger on the chair being injured. The chairlift was closed for over a month, with the NH Safety Tramway Board and the lift manufacturer (Doppelmayr) both investigating the incident. According to Attitash, here was the core issue that resulted in the detachment:
“The grip on that particular carrier was not functioning properly. We confirmed through third-party inspections that no other grips had the same issue. The chair and grip involved have been removed from service, and the remainder of the Flying Bear lift and chairs have been inspected and cleared for operation.”
To Attitash’s defense, this has become a season full of lift maintenance woes across the ski industry, even in New Hampshire. Cannon Mountain and Pats Peak both had lift evacuations this winter. And we just had the Kicking Horse thing happen yesterday.
Attitash may have had a rough past month, but they’ve had solid momentum in recent years. Recent improvements include new lifts, snowmaking investments, lodge renovations, and the return of a classic ski trail (Hunky Dory). I’m hoping they finish this season strong because, outside of this snag, I feel like they’ve been heading in the right direction.
Image Credits: Attitash Mountain Resort
