07/08 Improvements - Panoramic Express Lift & Terrain

The new Panoramic Express is now open!


The Panoramic Express is now open!
To check out all the grand opening festivities, click here.

 

Grand Opening – Saturday, December 15!

The day is finally here.  All the hard work has paid off and the Panoramic Express is opening this Saturday.  Grand opening ceremonies begin at 10:45am where we will present the winners of the contest for first chair, hand out swag and other fun stuff. The official first chair will start spinning at 11am.  Join us for this historic event and be part of Winter Park history.

Panoramic Express chairlift

 


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.


Panoramic Express



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.
Panoramic Express


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
Panoramic Express video tour
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.

Panoramic Express



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.

  • Both new trails are complete and have been named Parry's Peek and Forever Eva. These two intermediate trails will offer plenty of fun groomed and gladed tree skiing along with amazing views of both Parry's Peak and Mount Eva.
  • The concrete for the bottom terminal of the Panoramic Express has been poured along with the last 4 tower mounts. By Friday, Sept 14, all concrete work should be completed.
  • Lift towers are currently being assembled and are tentatively scheduled to be set in place by helicopter on Sept. 19. Stay tuned for some great photos.
  • The Timberline Lift has been dismantled and the towers will be flown out by helicopter Sept 24-26. 

Panoramic Express

Panoramic Express


Panoramic Express

 


Week of July 15:
 

Panoramic Express

 


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.

Panoramic Express


Panoramic Express


WINTER PARK RESORT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON NORTH AMERICA'S HIGHEST HIGH-SPEED SIX-PACK CHAIRLIFT

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.


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