(Photo courtesy of Mount Bachelor)
The Northwest chairlift modernization project continues to take shape as Mt. Bachelor heads into fall, with major progress happening at the top and bottom terminals, and along the lift line.
At the top, the first-floor foundation for the new operator and patrol dispatch shack is in place. The structure will be two stories tall upon completion. Next steps include installing the drive and controls cabinets; continuing second-floor framing; and installing siding and the roof. The top terminal and the three uppermost crown towers received a fresh coat of paint, with window replacements and additional exterior improvements still to come.
This week, contractors began craning some of the lift’s biggest new components into place, including the new electric motor, drive, diesel backup motor, and fuel tank. At the same time, crews are removing the old equipment from the terminal.
Down the lift line, the infrastructure that will support the lift’s upgraded systems is fully in place. Conduits and fiber optics have been installed underground, and the trenches are backfilled. The aerial portion on the lower half of the lift is also complete. In past years, all conduits and fiber optics were above ground, subject to severe weather and ice buildup. With most of the infrastructure now buried underground and protected from the elements, maintenance teams expect reduced interruptions from ice buildup on the lift.
Upgraded power infrastructure is also complete, with the bottom transformer in place and supplying power to the new lower operating shack and maintenance building at the bottom terminal. Also at the bottom terminal, crews have finished the concrete foundation for the new park rail, a semi-enclosed chair storage facility that will make a big difference during winter storms.
“By providing a protected place to store chairs, the facility will help reduce the amount of storm recovery and snow removal required from lift operations and maintenance teams,” said Dustin Smith, Mt. Bachelor’s director of mountain operations. “This will streamline the lift opening process, allowing skiers and riders to access that terrain sooner following major weather events.”
Crews are currently backfilling around the park rail to establish the final grade, with the structure itself expected to be erected over the next couple of weeks.
The on-site maintenance garage is also taking shape at the bottom terminal. The building is framed, and crews will pour the second-floor concrete next week. It should be fully enclosed soon, with siding and roofing to follow.
“While there’s still plenty of work ahead, the project is moving steadily toward its goal: a more reliable, efficient and storm-ready Northwest chairlift for the 2026/27 season,” added Smith.
Mt. Bachelor plans to continue sharing updates as the project progresses.
