D-Line Chairlift Unveiled at California Ski Resort California
Mammoth Mountain in California opened a revamped chairlift today as Chair 1, or the Broadway Express went into operation for skiers and snowboarders.
A six-person chair from Doppelmayr’s D-Line series replaced the chair this summer.
As a result of this updated version, the resort expects shorter lift lines and a 25% increase in uphill capacity. It was built with enclosed upper and lower terminals to withstand the wild weather at Mammoth Mountain.
Storm cycles protect the chairs, enabling more rapid openings when the powder starts piling up.
Mammoth Mountain’s lift infrastructure cannot exist without the Broadway Express. Mid-mountain and upper-mountain terrain is accessed by the chair from the main lodge.
Read Also: Forecasts predict up to 20 inches of snow for millions
Mammoth Mountain’s first chairlift was built in 1955 and 1956.
This original Broadway Express, with a capacity of 900 people, was not able to move skiers as quickly as the current Doppelmayr D-Line chairlift.
Nonetheless, Mammoth Mountain community members were palpably excited by the Broadway Express’ historical opening.
Ski area guests that day numbered around 2,000. Broadway Express was upgraded in future seasons. The vehicle was retrofitted in 1996 with Doppelmayr technology.
Currently, Broadway Express operates alongside the Panorama Lower Gondola and Unbound Express at Mammoth Mountain. It opened its doors for the season on November 15th.
Despite mostly sunny weather for Broadway Express’ inaugural flight, the new enclosed terminals will soon be tested.
Winter Storm Warning for Mammoth Mountain begins this afternoon. Snow accumulations of up to two feet are possible in isolated areas. Travel is difficult or impossible.
Winter Storm Watches will follow shortly after the Winter Storm Warning turns off on Saturday night. Above 7,000 feet, one to three feet of snow is possible.