Mt. Ashland is excited to announce that the Ariel Chairlift has officially opened on December 26, 2024, for all guests. This marks the successful completion of extensive repairs following a significant disruption to the chairlift’s operations earlier this winter.
The Ariel Chairlift was initially forced to close at the start of the season after a fallen tree struck Tower 8, causing considerable damage. The tree hit the downloading side of Tower 8, destroying key components, including the sheaves and halo, and damaging the sheave train. In addition, the fallen tree rested on the tensioned cable, further complicating the situation.
To address the damage, a team of professional tree fellers worked tirelessly for 11 hours to remove the tree, navigating challenging conditions, including steep terrain and snow. Once the tree was cleared, the repair process began, with the sheave train requiring a complete rebuild. Since the necessary parts were unavailable, custom fabrication was needed for the bushings, adding to the complexity of the repair. The damaged tower halo also required rebuilding in the shop, all following guidelines prescribed by Riblet chairlift engineers and ANSI code to ensure safety and compliance.
Once the sheave train was reconstructed, the next steps involved a meticulous process of de-tensioning and inspecting the chairlift’s cable, followed by re-tensioning to ensure everything was properly aligned and functioning. Upon completion, the lift underwent rigorous testing to confirm its safety and readiness to load guests.
Mt. Ashland is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of their lift maintenance team, who worked with incredible focus and dedication to complete the repairs while managing the operation of the resort’s other lifts. Balancing this major repair project with the opening of a new chairlift required exceptional teamwork, and the Ski Area is grateful for their hard work.
With Ariel Chair now ready to welcome guests, Mt. Ashland’s holiday season is officially underway. The mountain invites everyone to enjoy a day on the slopes, whether they’re seasoned snowsports enthusiasts or newcomers looking to try something new. Family lessons make for a perfect holiday gift, and the Ski Area’s expert instructors are ready to guide guests through every step of their skiing or snowboarding journey. Guests can also conveniently reserve lessons and rental equipment online to ensure a smooth day on the mountain.
After a day of skiing, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at Gemutlichkeit Grill or relax with a drink at the T-Bar Lounge. Mt. Ashland also has an exciting winter events schedule, beginning with the opening of the updated Night Light Experience on January 9, followed by a variety of activities, including Rail Jams, Slopestyles, Bavarian Night, and the quirky Dummy Downhill event. For more information about Mt. Ashland’s winter events, visit Mt. Ashland Event Directory.
As the season kicks off, Mt. Ashland is ready to offer an unforgettable alpine experience for all who visit, thanks to the hard work and commitment of its dedicated staff.
