This summer, Bridger Bowl will replace the current Bridger and Deer Park lifts with one triple chair lift. Here are some of the reasons we have chosen this option:
Our plan this year is to maximize the current uphill capacity on two of our existing chair lifts that are often slowed down and/or stopped when loading small children and beginner skiers. Although only a few ski areas in North America have these, they are very popular in Europe and have been reviewed very positively. Alta has successfully installed one at their resort in Utah. The two lifts that are primarily effected are our Powder Park and Pierre's Knob chair lifts. The uphill capacity of these lifts on weekends and holidays runs about 70% of maximum. Constant slows and stops helping boost children and aiding overwhelmed beginners results in slower rides up the mountain. To address this issue, we will be installing loading carpets on these lifts. ALL skiers and riders need to be prepared to experience something new. There will be several changes to the loading process. First, there will be access gates on these two lifts. Skiers and riders will need to be in position at the gate and enter when they open. After sliding forward out of the gate, you will just need to stand there as the carpet moves you into position and the chair will come in slightly faster than you will be moving for you to sit down and ride away. View the loading carpet video above to see how this works.
Note for parents of small children: The Powder Park loading carpet will have an additional feature that will allow the lift attendant to raise the platform at the push of a button for small children to make the chair height clearance. This will no longer necessitate a boost from the lift attendant nor the parent.
Information about this video: