September 10, 2008
Hi Folks,
A new dusting of snow on the peaks this morning reminded us all that summer is coming to an end. The resort staff and several different contractors are very busy finishing a number of exciting projects at Telluride Ski Resort. I thought I'd update you on the progress in this blog. We've got dozens of different projects - from small to large - but I'll just cover the big ones here.
The new Revelation Lift construction is progressing right on schedule. The concrete foundation work is complete for the terminals and towers, and the helicopter has been flying in equipment and supplies. Since there is no road to the lower terminal, everything is being flown in and the construction workers hike in every day. Fortunately, we do have a road up the ridge to the top terminal.
Below are two pictures of the K-Max helicopter flying in the lower lift shack:
Towers arrived on site this week and will be flown into place by helicopter mid-September. The picture below shows the lower terminal site as well as a new observation/picnic deck we are constructing (which has a great view of the east side of the Town of Telluride and Bear Creek):
Below is a picture at the top of Chair 5 where we are doing the site work for a new restaurant. The restaurant is not going to be built this season but we wanted to proceed with the grading. We're thinking about setting up some periodic BBQ's this winter/spring here as the location has such a wonderful 360 degree view.
Below is a picture of the new footrest / restraining bar for Chair 9. This is a prototype and the balance of the equipment will be shipped, received and installed before ski season. Since this lift serves mainly advanced skiers (adults), we extended the length of the footrest by 2 inches to accomodate adult frame sizes more comfortably. Lift 9 is also getting a new communications line with individual loops for each tower. These improvements will make this lift much more comfortable and reliable.
Below is a picture of a Howitzer shelter under construction. We've leased two different 105mm artillery weapons from the US Army for avalanche control purposes. The picture shows the concrete basement which will be used to store the amunition. A garage-like building will be constructed on top of this concrete box to protect the gun. We have two locatons with two shelters and guns which will be used to control the Gold Hill Chutes, Palmyra Peak, and Black Iron Bowl. This will significantly improve safety for our patrollers as well as our guests.
Below is a picture of one of the guns as it's being refurbished by the US Army in Nevada. It comes to us completely rebuilt with a fancy new paint job:
We're also completely remodeling the Skier's Union restaurant in Mountain Village. It will be call the "Hop Garden" and will feature ten different beers on tap as well as a new beer garden outside. I think it will turn out to be a favorite apres ski destination!
Three new Prinoth snowcats have been purchased including another state-of-the-art winch cat:
All is well in Telluride and we're really looking forward to the upcoming ski season. With a new lift, new terrain, new snowcats, new Mountain Village restaurant, as well as the great guest service Telluride Ski Resort is known for, this is the year to lay your tracks down in the snow at this resort!
Please feel free to post a comment or question. Just scroll down to the dialog box, type your thoughts, and click on "submit". We love to hear from you! - Dave