This Doppelmayr 8 passenger bubble chairlift is the 3rd lift to travel the very important route from the Mountain Village to the top of Andesite Mountain. Installed in 2018, it replaced the Ramcharger Express, Big Sky's first high speed quad which was installed in 1991.
There are many firsts with this lift. It is the first 8 passenger chairlift in North America, first Doppelmayr D-Line system in North America, and the first use of locking safety bars in North America. Other notable features are a direct drive to ensure the highest reliability, heated seats to ensure passenger comfort, and a loading conveyor to facilitate easier loading and reduce slow downs. It is the undisputed most technologically advanced lift in North America if not the world!!
As for the statistics, the lift is 4461 feet long with a vertical rise of 1160 feet. Capacity is currently 3200/hr but it can be increased to 3600 by adding chairs. The lift was to be overbuilt for current demand as the Big Sky 2025 plan is supposed to significantly increase skier visits when complete. The one statistic not particularly exceptional is the speed which is the standard 1000 feet per minute. It seems to run at or close to that speed yet feels slower because of how smooth the ride is. The operating schedule for this lift is extensive with it being used for first tracks and evening access to the Everett's 8800 restaurant. When night skiing is added it will run even more hours.
While this is the first D-Line for Big Sky, it for sure won't be the last with Swift Current and Southern Comfort scheduled for upgrades as part of the 2025 plan. While they may not be 8 packs, I'm sure they will feature the same modern features. I also hope to see Boyne and other ski companies bring this impressive display of lift technology to more North American resorts.
Негізгі бет Big Sky: Ramcharger 8
Пікірлер: 54