Every Tuesday, I feature my favorite Instagram photos from around the lift world.
TwoΒ days shy of six months since an intentionally-set wildfire killed 14 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the iconic Gatlinburg Sky LiftΒ will reopen this Friday. Β On November 28th, 2016, Sky Lift employees left the lift running on its auxiliary diesel as they fled the fire, saving the haul rope. Β However, the top terminal and some towers were so severely burned that the entire lift needed to be replaced.For 62 years, Boyne Resorts has operated a chairlift on Crockett Mountain and the company chose a Doppelmayr Alpen Star triple chair for its third incarnation. Β Previous versionsΒ were aΒ Heron double recycled from Sugar Bowl in 1954 and Riblet double broughtΒ to Tennessee in 1991.
Boyne Resorts announced construction of the new $2.4 million lift in early February and received its operating permit less than three months later on April 27th. Β Doppelmayr and Boyne collaboratedΒ to re-create the Sky Lift’s iconic appearance with 11 orange towers and 92 yellow chairs with wooden slats in place of galvanized ones. Β Although guests cannot yet get off at the top due to ongoing construction, the new lift is sure to be as popularΒ as it has been for generations. Β When Boyne sold and leased-back the Sky Lift operation in 2005, itΒ attracted 400,000 annual visitors and was valued at $19.9 million. Β Not bad for a 1,300′ double chair!
Three months since a wildlandΒ fire ripped through Gatlinburg, Tennesee, two brand new lifts are under construction asΒ the gateway to the Smoky Mountains rebuilds. Β As many suspected, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift will be replaced with a new version this spring. Β “We are investing in a total replacement and are excited to be in process with installation of a new scenic chairlift,” spokeswoman Julie Ard of Boyne Resorts tells the Mountain Press. Β The Riblet double’s haul rope and chairs have already been pulledΒ in preparation for tower removal. TheΒ new Sky Lift will be the third version following the original Heron that operated from 1954-1991 and the Riblet that followed fromΒ 1991 until last November. Β I’ve reached out to Boyne forΒ the manufacturer of Sky Lift 3.0Β and am waiting to hear back. Β Update 2/6/17: The new lift will be a Doppelmayr Alpen Star triple chair with customΒ wooden seats.
Before the fire, Boyne Resorts had planned for and received approval to build an adventure park on the site, where the company has operated continuously for more than sixty years. Β Zip lines, a suspension bridge, walking trails and more will eventually occupy 17.5 acres. Β While that expansionΒ will take some time, the lift project is progressing quickly. Β “Reopening of the Gatlinburg Sky Lift is expected to be April/May 2017,” says Ard. “Just as our past guests who want to come back to Gatlinburg to continue traditions of experiencing this iconic attraction, and locals who are aware of its draw among tourists, we are eager to have this lift spinning again just as quickly as possible.”
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