Beaver Creek / USA: lift towers installed for new high speed quad chairlift

Beaver Creek, Colo.- -A Chinook double-bladed helicopter installed lift towers for a new high-speed detachable quad chairlift in Beaver Creek this morning. The lift will replace the triple chairlift in Larkspur Bowl. The Larkspur Express Lift (#11) is scheduled to open in December 2005.

"We're thrilled to take this next step in enhancing our ski and snowboard experience for guests in Beaver Creek. The new lift will offer a quicker route to the popular groomed terrain, powder and bumps found in Larkspur Bowl," said John Garnsey, chief operating officer for Beaver Creek.

Helicopter operations took place this morning and work was completed within two hours. The double-bladed helicopter can carry up to 12,000 pounds and was able to lift and place each tower and cross arm in one motion. Helicopter operations were staged near the base of Larkspur Bowl on Beaver Creek Mountain.

Uphill capacity for the lift will be 2,600 people per hour, bringing the resort's total uphill lift capacity to 31,539 people per hour. Ride time will be six minutes. The lift will have 17 towers and 117 chairs.