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07/08 Improvements - Panoramic Express Lift & Terrain |
The Panoramic Express, with its unmatched view, and the addition of two new intermediate trails, not only provides guests with quicker access to the top of Mary Jane's Parsenn Bowl, but also provides more elbow room to play once they're there," said Gary DeFrange, president and chief operating officer for Winter Park Resort. "Mary Jane has developed a loyal following of passionate regulars that will welcome these changes whereas first time visitors will fall in love with Winter Park in no time at all. We have retained the spirit of Winter Park Resort with a fresh outlook."
Extending from the bottom of Mary Jane's Edelweiss trail to the top of Parsenn Bowl at 12,060 feet above sea level, the Panoramic Express provides skiers and riders access to over 1,123 acres of terrain including Parsenn Bowl, Vasquez Cirque and last year's addition of the Eagle Wind terrain. The Panoramic Express is a quicker ride to the top from the original 11 minutes it once took guests to get there to seven minutes.
The newly enhanced intermediate terrain features better tree skiing, while Parry's Peek and Forever Eva offer groomed conditions for guests needing a little extra help getting down Mary Jane's infamously steep terrain. Parry's Peek and Forever Eva were named after a well known area botanist, Charles Parry and his wife, Eva.
Grand Opening – Saturday, December 15!

Week of November 15:
The Panoramic Express is nearing completion. We're busy doing final tests and obtaining permits. Check back often for the latest construction updates.
The Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board performed load testing this week. The test involves filling barrels with water to simulate people and operating the lift under a variety of conditions to ensure safe operation.

Week of October 15:
This week we are finishing construction of the bottom terminal and drive shaft mechanism as well as getting ready to pull the line to guide the haul rope.
Week of October 1:
This week we are working on finishing the base area infrastructure for the new lift. Next week we will be placing both the bottom terminal and motor.
Video Shot October 2007
Video Tour
Week of September 24:
The Panoramic Express lift towers have been flown into place by a helicopter, and all 24 towers are now installed.
The helicopter is removing all of the Timberline chairlift towers as well as timber from Parry's Peek and Forever Eva (the two new trails), removing timber from the three enhanced trails, as well as some additional timber from the Eagle Wind area.
To view an online article and video clip about the new chairlift appearing on MyFoxColorado, click here.

Week of September 10:
It has been awhile since the last update, but don't be mistaken because BIG progress has been made on the Panoramic Express and the two new trails.



Week of July 15:

Week of July 8:
The top terminal is complete. Grading around the top terminal is in progress. This involves removing plants by hand so unnecessary damage to the tundra is avoided. Tower excavation is currently scheduled to begin at the end of this week.
Two new intermediate trails are being created. Johnstone Junction, Willett's Way, and Kinnikinnic are being enhanced to make the tree skiing even better.


The "Panoramic Express" is the name selected for the new $8 million detachable six-pack chairlift that began construction this spring on Winter Park Resort's Parsenn Bowl. The new Leitner-Poma state-of-the-art chairlift will hoist skiers up to approximately 12,060 feet above sea level making it the highest, high-speed six-pack chairlift in all of North America.
Given the timing of this new chairlift addition, Winter Park skiers and riders will have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of this environmentally sensitive construction project taking place now instead of while the resort is closed over summer months. Construction of the Panoramic Express will incorporate the use of helicopters and over-snow equipment all designed to minimize ground disturbance.
Last summer, Winter Park Resort added the new Eagle Wind chairlift as part of its parent company, Intrawest ULC's, continued commitment to invest $50 million over 10 years. The early construction effort of the new Panoramic Express is just the next step in the evolution of changes taking place at Winter Park Resort.
Working in close collaboration with its partners at the U.S. Forest Service, the Winter Park Mountain Master Plan Phase One Environmental Assessment was completed last year paving the way for major improvements such as the Panoramic Express. With this completed Environmental Assessment, Winter Park Resort can offer more access to its terrain through upgrades such as the Panoramic Express for Winter Park/Mary Jane loyalists and guests.
The resort and its partners at the U.S. Forest Service, Sulphur Ranger District, are committed to using best management practices to minimize ground disturbance in sensitive tundra vegetation. Although the intermittent closure of small portions of ski terrain is inconvenient, the resort offers over 3,000 acres of ski able terrain. Moving materials and equipment over snow protects this delicate terrain and will assure an on-time opening next ski season.
Winter Park Resort is Colorado's longest continually operated ski resort featuring over 3,000 acres of award-winning terrain including groomers, terrain parks, bumps, steeps, trees, and most definitely deeps. Last season, Winter Park Resort received 378 inches of snow much in part to its ideal location amidst the Rocky Mountains. Just 67 miles northwest of Denver, Winter Park Resort is the closest major destination resort to Denver International Airport and offers its guests an abundance of activities and events for the young and the young at heart. © 2009 Winter Park Resort, CO