Mission Ridge: Chair 2 Replacement Project Delayed

Earlier this spring, Mission Ridge announced the purchase and planned installation of a replacement chairlift for its current Chair number 2 nicknamed The Liberator,  pending United States Forest Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approvals. The replacement chairlift includes upgraded chairs that have more comfortable seats and plexiglass “bubble” covers to enhance the ride experience.
Planning Team members from the resort have been working with both the USFS and WDFW to submit the required studies, plans, and documentation necessary for the replacement of the chairlift since the fall of  2018. A project of this scale requires review and approval for both the project itself in concept and the technical components of the structure and the plan. The project plans will be reviewed by engineers at the Forest Service and Washington State Parks with further review by the USFS and WDFW expected to be completed by midsummer 2019. Project approval will follow shortly thereafter.
The initial timeline for installation prior to the start of the 2019-2020 winter season was a realistic, but also optimistic, goal. Due to the expected final approval by late summer 2019, Mission Ridge has decided to continue with preliminary preparations for removal and replacement of Chair 2, with the actual deconstruction of the current lift and installation of the new lift being carried out starting in the spring of 2020. Initial work to be started this fall will include concrete work for the bases of the new lift towers and potential installation of some structural components.
“We are putting together a very robust and long-term beneficial plan for Mission Ridge,” said GM Josh Jorgensen. “This project will improve the experience for guests while remaining financially viable for the resort,” he continued. “Our goal for this summer is to get some of the footing and foundation work done for the new towers and potentially some of the structural components. Then, with all approvals in place and a good head start, we will install the new lift in the summer of 2020.”
Mission Ridge is extremely grateful for the support of Season Passholders, guests, and local communities for their support, enthusiasm, and patience through this process.

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