Doppelmayr has been selected to install a new Wilbere Quad next summer at Snowbird, the second new lift announced by Powdr for 2024. The quad will load in a new location in the Creekside base area and terminate near the top of the current Wilbere double, which Doppelmayr built in 1971. The modern AlpenStar fixed grip will feature a loading conveyor and carry 1,800 skiers per hour.
Exciting things are in store for the 2023-24 season, including the replacement and realignment of Snowbird's original Wilbere chair, starting in the late spring. Get all of the details & learn more: https://t.co/i6XDXtT0YXpic.twitter.com/TUjeNaShJE
“With a number of short- and long-term projects in the works, we are taking great strides to make our mountain more accessible, more efficient and more engaging for our passholders and our community,” noted Snowbird President and General Manager Dave Fields. Wilbere 2.0 is expected to open for the 2024-25 ski season.
The Doppelmayr Group reported annual financial results today, and for the first time ever, North America surpassed Austria as the firm’s largest market. Doppelmayr reported total revenue of €946 million (US$1.0 billion) in fiscal year 2022-23, an annual increase of 6.7 percent and near a record high for the 130 year old company. The United States and Canada accounted for 28 percent or approximately $280 million during the fiscal year, which ran from April 2022 through March 2023. The last year before Covid North America represented only 17 percent of global turnover while the domestic Austrian market comprised 24 percent of the business.
The group delivered 104 ropeways globally in 2022-23, 30 of which landed in North America. US ski resorts reported a record 64.7 million skier visits last season and have 31 more Doppelmayr lifts under construction for the coming winter. “One of the reasons for this market development is the continuing attractiveness of outdoor sports,” noted the Doppelmayr Group annual report. “Many ski resorts are replacing outdated installations with modern ropeways in order to offer their guests enhanced comfort. In addition, the new lifts feature higher capacity to provide the growing numbers of visitors with rapid access to the ski slopes.” Doppelmayr went from installing just one D-Line detachable in North America in 2018 to five last year and nine this year. Doppelmayr also increased its global employee headcount to 3,335 full time equivalents, an increase of 5.7 percent. Part of that growth was the group’s acquisition of cabin manufacturer Carvatech last October.
Doppelmayr also reported a strong order book despite some economic headwinds. “The investment strength of ski area operators in North America remains at a very high level,” the company noted. The Alps market is also strengthening with three AURO autonomous gondolas under construction. On the urban front, Doppelmayr is working to build expansive gondola systems in both Paris and Mexico City. Doppelmayr also expects revenue growth from new products, including its clair software platform, upcoming TRI-Line 3S system and new 20-MGD D-Line.
A court finds zoning allowing Wasatch Peaks Ranch to continue as a private ski resort can be put to a public referendum. Three chairlifts already operate there with a fourth under construction.
Alpine Ski Club, Ontario lists the Arrowhead Quad for sale with a replacement planned for 2024.
Big Moose Mountain, Maine fundraises to revive trails abandoned since the summit double last ran in 2004.
Snow Ridge, New York shares more photos of devastating tornado damage and fundraises for rebuilding. A volunteer cleanup day is scheduled for August 26th.
Nonprofit Skiland, Alaska seeks donations to operate next season.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay teases a reopening of its gondola that has been closed since Covid.
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