The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Extending the top closer to Red Lady
By Mark Reaman
The Teocalli Chairlift might not be running this winter but plans are underway to get a new, longer, larger lift in the same spot by next winter.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) announced plans last week to replace the Teocalli Lift—a 1979 Riblet fixed-grip double chairlift—for the 2019-20 winter season, pending approval by the U.S. Forest Service. If approved, the new Teocalli Lift would be upgraded to a fixed-grip quad chairlift, increasing uphill capacity by 50 percent.
CBMR communications specialist Zach Pickett said the company has requested the Forest Service to approve the replacement lift but a specific lift has not yet be selected. “We are working with various lift manufacturers on lift specifications, which will be subject to change pending final approval from the USFS,” he explained when asked how long the new lift would be compared to the current one. “The lower terminal of the Teocalli Lift will remain in its same location at the intersection of the Bushwacker, Gunsight Pass and Upper Conundrum trails. The upper terminal of the lift will be moved closer to the top of the Red Lady Express for better egress to the base area.”
The proposed realignment and installation of the new lift would take place following the close of the 2018-19 winter season.
The Teocalli Lift replacement would improve the on-mountain guest experience at CBMR by providing increased uphill capacity, a secondary egress to the base area from the Paradise Warming House and quick access to beginner and intermediate terrain.
“The realignment and improved capacity of the lift will provide an elevated on-mountain guest experience via quick terrain access, improved egress to the resort base area and access to Uley’s Cabin—one of CBMR’s premier on-mountain restaurants,” said Tim Baker, general manager of CBMR in a press release. “We believe this investment can provide a significant benefit to a variety of guests in the near future, and we’ll continue to listen to feedback and evaluate other potential investments that will have a similar impact for a spectrum of guests moving forward.”
As for cost of the lift, Pickett said the company cannot release the information. “As a publically traded company, we do not disclose specific capital investment costs.”
The replacement of Teocalli Lift is the first major upgrade announced for CBMR by new owner, Vail Resorts.
