Why Boyne Mountain Installed the Midwest’s First High-Speed 8-Person Chairlift on a 500-Foot Hill
Michigan – As one of the premier Midwestern ski resorts, Boyne Mountain Resort has long been a pioneer in skiing innovation. But why would a resort that epitomizes a quintessential Midwestern ski experience with just a 500-foot vertical drop invest in a cutting-edge Disciples high-speed 8-person chairlift? This bold move isn’t just about speed—it’s about transforming the skiing experience, honoring a rich history, and setting new standards in the Midwest.
The Need for Speed: Replacing Outdated Lifts
Boyne Mountain’s Disciples area is renowned for its solid beginner and intermediate terrain—perfect for cruisers looking to build confidence or enjoy relaxed runs at a Midwestern ski resort. However, the old setup was holding it back. The resort previously relied on two reused Riblet lifts, Disciples I and II, which were notoriously slow and unreliable.
As one resort leader explained in a behind-the-scenes video, “The design speed on the Disciples 1, for example, was about seven and a half minutes if it didn’t stop. Believe me, it stopped an awful lot. Taking a lift ride that took 12 or 13 minutes is really discouraging for people wanting to stay over here at a Midwestern ski resort.”
These fixed-grip triple chairlifts, installed decades ago, often left skiers frustrated with long wait times and frequent stops. The Disciples high-speed 8-person chairlift that was installed in 2022 slashed the ride time to just 3.16 minutes, making laps quicker and more enjoyable. This upgrade addresses a key pain point: keeping guests engaged in one of the resort’s best areas without the drag of outdated infrastructure typically found in a Midwestern ski resort.
Interesting fact: Boyne Mountain’s vertical drop of 500 feet might seem modest compared to Western giants, but in the Midwest, it’s a solid hill that sees heavy traffic. Faster lifts mean more runs per hour, reducing slope crowding and boosting overall satisfaction—even on shorter terrain.
Installing a Disciples high-speed 8-person chairlift on a 500-foot hill might raise eyebrows, but for Boyne Mountain, it’s a strategic win. It honors their innovative roots, solves real operational challenges, and delivers a superior experience for skiers of all levels. Whether you’re a local shredder or planning a Midwestern ski resort getaway, this lift is a testament to how even smaller resorts can think big. Have you ridden the D8 yet? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Related: Michigan Ski Resort Trying To Remain Open Until Memorial Day
Continuing a Legacy of Chairlift Firsts
Boyne Mountain isn’t new to breaking barriers. Founded in 1948 with the Midwest’s first chairlift, the resort has a storied history of innovation. It introduced the world’s first quadruple chairlift in 1964 and America’s first high-speed six-person chairlift, the Mountain Express, in 1992.
When planning the Disciples upgrade, the team debated between a four-place, six-place, or eight-place lift. Ultimately, they chose to go big: “Boyne Mountain was the first with a four-place lift, which was the original Meadows lift, the first six-pack in the United States, which was Mountain Express Lift. So by golly, let’s be the first in the Midwest with an eight-place and that’s what we did.”
This Disciples high-speed 8-person chairlift marks the third eight-passenger installation for Boyne Resorts, following similar lifts at Big Sky Resort in 2018 and Loon Mountain. It’s part of the ambitious Boyne Mountain 2030 plan, which aims to create the Midwest’s most advanced lift network with further upgrades to lifts like Meadows, Super Bowl, and others. Such developments ensure Boyne Mountain remains a leader among Midwestern ski resorts.
Fun tidbit: The resort’s commitment to “firsts” stems from its founder, Everett Kircher, who revolutionized American skiing by importing European lift technology and even inventing the Boyne Snowmaker in the 1950s.
Specs and Features of the Disciples High-Speed 8-Person Chairlift
Built by Doppelmayr as part of their premium D-Line series, the Disciples 8 boasts gearless Direct Drive technology for whisper-quiet operation, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. Here are some standout specs:
- Capacity: 8 passengers per chair, boosting uphill transport dramatically.
- Ride Time: 3.16 minutes at high speed.
- Innovations: Includes 205 new developments, 31 innovations, and 14 patents in the D-Line system.
- Safety and Comfort: Auto-locking safety bars and a raisable loading carpet to assist young skiers.
- No Bubbles: Omitted due to the short ride time, keeping things simple and cost-effective.
This lift isn’t just fast—it’s designed for reliability in Midwest winters, where weather can be unpredictable. The engineering marvel becomes a key feature for this Midwestern ski resort, attracting enthusiasts from all over.
Benefits for Skiers and the Resort’s Future
The Disciples high-speed 8-person chairlift revolutionized Boyne Mountain by spreading out crowds, encouraging exploration of the Disciples area, and enhancing the overall resort experience. Beginners and families benefit from quicker access to gentle terrain, while the resort sees improved efficiency and guest retention.
“We are really looking forward to what this lift will bring us this winter!” summed up the excitement in the project video from 2022.
