BigRock Mountain Saying Goodbye To The Mueller Double
BigRock Mountain is saying goodbye to the Mueller Double. They say:
"This is a surprisingly emotional message to write—one filled with optimism and pride for the steps forward we’ve taken over the past 18 months, but also with deep gratitude for the steps taken before us.
We began the process of decommissioning and removing the old Mueller Double that was installed at Big Rock during the summer of 1993. That lift began its life, along with two others, at Evergreen Valley Ski Area in 1972, where it operated for 10 years before ultimately closing in 1982. After sitting dormant for another decade, it was brought to Big Rock and installed by Gary Pierce with the help of famed lift constructor Werner Wagner.
"For many of us who’ve been at Big Rock a long time, we can remember a time before a chairlift—when the only way up was the Poma. We remember the solitude of that ride, the steady burn in your legs, and the snap at the start. That first ride on the double chair was transformational: sitting next to someone, watching others make turns below. You had 10 minutes on the way up to bond—with your dad, your mom, your sibling, grandparent, friend, rival, a community member, or a stranger from somewhere far away. Ten minutes with that person. Or sometimes, 10 minutes all alone. Relationships were built breathing cold air and soaking in the magic of snow and mountain.
"Thinking about this lift—it’s been part of so many special days, so many special moments. And now we’re taking it down.
"It’s sad—but it’s time. With the installation of our new Doppelmayr Quad now complete, we’ll begin the dismantling process while remembering just how much this lift has meant.
In the coming weeks, we’ll remove the chairs, the cable, the towers, and the foundations, opening up the Comet as a full-width trail.
"As we take on this project:
"-If you're a ski area in need of parts from a Mueller Double, let us know. The chairs, sheaves, bullwheels, gearbox, and tension unit were all inspected and approved just last year.
"-If you're a skier or rider who would like to own a piece of Big Rock history, we’re offering Mueller chairs for a donation of $200 or more. If you're able, please be generous—your donation will go toward b-netting to keep our race kids safe, support our discounted Ski-4-Life program, and help keep the mountain affordable and accessible for all.
"-And if this lift or this mountain has ever shaped you—please share a memory or story here. We'd love to hear it."
