Summit Lift Construction Begins

The construction of the highest chairlift in North America is underway.

It will reach almost to the top of Peak 8 pictured in the photo on the left.

Breckenridge Ski Resort began construction on the anticipated — and debated — Peak 8 summit lift, the Imperial Express SuperChair today.

The high-speed quad will reach 12,840 feet and transport riders to the top of Peak 8. The $4 million lift will open access to 400 acres of intermediate to advanced terrain that now requires a hike above treeline.

Roger McCarty, chief operating operating officer for Breckenridge Ski Resort, called the lift the “crowning touch.”

Until now, it’s been on again, off again, on again for the new Breckenridge lift.

The project (along with replacement of Chair 6) was originally approved by U.S. Forest Service Dillon District Ranger Rick Newton in January. The approval was subsequently appealed by Colorado Wild, a ski industry and Forest Service watchdog group. Several local residents also signed the appeal; some cited a concern that the lift would eliminate most of Breck’s hike-to terrain. During the appeal process, regional officials determined the decision should have been made at the Forest Supervisor level, resulting in a withdrawal of Newton's earlier OK. Incoming White River Forest Supervisor Maribeth Gustafson then reviewed the project and issued another approval.

Since then, planners have been waiting for Aug. 2 to arrive.

“Everyone here has been excited to get going,” said Nicky DeFord, spokesperson for Vail Resorts. A target date for completion has not been set, DeFord said.

“They’re kind of leaving that open — both the Forest Service and our operations guys” she added. “They think they can get it done by the end of the season. They’re confident.”