Aspen Mountain’s new Nell Bell lift is closer to completion after crews successfully spliced its haul rope. The process required a large team working together to join the two ends of the cable into one continuous loop using a specialized skill that is becoming increasingly rare in the United States.
According to Aspen Snowmass, fewer than a dozen people in the country can perform the specialized task of splicing a chairlift haul rope. The resort recently shared a look at the process highlighting the craftsmanship and teamwork required to complete the critical step.
In cable splicing, the rope is joined through mechanical friction, precise intertwining, and the careful tucking of individual strands. The process requires extensive training, technical knowledge, and a highly experienced eye to ensure the connection is completed correctly.
Aspen Snowmass partnered with Knight Equipment, a family-owned and operated business that has been working in the industry since 1945. The company has built a reputation around specialized lift work, with cable-splicing expertise passed down through generations.
The Nell Bell lift is part of Aspen Mountain’s ongoing improvements as the resort prepares for the future. While skiers may primarily notice the lift once it begins carrying passengers up the mountain, the work behind the scenes really shows off the expertise and coordination required to keep ski areas running.