Lift Blog

British Columbia-based Steelhead Systems Inc. (SSI) has responded to a lawsuit filed by Ski Bluewood, Washington over a delayed lift project. As I detailed last month, the two parties initially agreed to bring a used detachable quad to Bluewood in June 2024. The 1993 Doppelmayr lift would replace a base-to-summit triple chair and dramatically reduce ride time. SSI would act as a broker between Pro-Alpin Ropeway Services of Austria and Bluewood, bringing the lift from Sölden to Washington at significant saving versus a new lift. SCJ Alliance would engineer the lift and Bluewood would complete much of the installation work itself. Bluewood announced in late June 2024 the lift was expected to open for the 2025-26 season.

The deal soured this summer when disagreements arose over shipping costs, timelines, the number of shipping containers needed, exchange rates and more. In its claim filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Bluewood alleged breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment by SSI. In its Response to Civil Claim, SSI’s attorney denies many of Bluewood’s claims, including that shipping costs and exchange rates were fixed upon contract signing. SSI alleges only after Bluewood stopped making payments did it stop shipping containers across the Atlantic. “Pursuant to [the agreement], all responsibility and risk with respect to the equipment, including transportation, rests with the Buyer,” the filing notes. “This responsibility includes any changes to shipping costs or exchange rates, which are matters outside the control of the Defendants.” SSI argues three outstanding invoices total $587,548.

SSI also alleges its principal, Zrinko Amerl, told Bluewood in 2024 that fall 2025 completion was an optimistic timeline. The complaint alleges Bluewood failed to provide accurate survey data in a timely manner. Steelhead Systems says SCJ Alliance’s engineer requested a 16^th tower, which SSI agreed to provide at below market price. Finally, SSI alleges “ProAlpin insisted that there be a garage system put in place for maintenance and storage of chairs, however [Bluewood] refused to follow this recommendation.” On October 26th, I received word that SCJ did not request a 16th tower and that line was in the process of being corrected in the Response to Civil Claim.

To date 23 containers have been delivered to Bluewood containing chairs, terminal elements and towers. Four containers’ worth of equipment remains in Austria. Alarmingly, Pro-Alpin indicated to SSI that all remaining parts, including bullwheels and the haul rope, not picked up by September 8^th, 2025 would be scrapped. “As of today’s date, SSI is unaware if any action has been taken with respect to this,” the filing notes.

Shortly after filing the response, SSI countersued Bluewood’s owners, alleging the lawsuit, associated press release and media coverage have damaged its reputation. The filing specifically mentions Lift Blog’s coverage and reader comments impacting SSI’s ability to sell lifts within the broader mountain resort industry. “As a result of the defamatory statements made by [Bluewood], SSI has suffered and continues to suffer losses to its business,” the suit says, alleging statements made by Bluewood will cause an estimated loss of approximately $10 to $15 million in revenue. The company seeks payment of outstanding invoices plus interest, damages and other costs.

Bluewood officials declined to comment beyond their initial press release, citing pending litigation. The ski area has been busy re-hanging chairs on the Skyline Express, the 1978 Borvig once set to be replaced.