BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHEST CHAIRLIFT IN NORTH AMERICA
Imperial Express SuperChair will increase lift-serviced terrain by approximately 400 acres
BRECKENRIDGE, Colo—Breckenridge Ski Resort starts construction on the much anticipated Peak 8 summit lift, the Imperial Express SuperChair. Breckenridge’s newest high-speed quad will be the highest chairlift in North America, reaching an elevation of 12,840 feet and transporting skiers and riders to the top of Breckenridge’s renowned Peak 8. As construction get underway today, resort officials are optimistic the new lift will be ready to ride this winter.
“As the highest chairlift in North America, accessing some of Breckenridge’s most amazing intermediate and expert terrain, this lift is the crowning touch on an already fabulous resort,” said Roger McCarthy, chief operating officer for Breckenridge Ski Resort.
The trend toward increased backcountry use by many skiers and riders has prompted resorts to offer expert-level extreme terrain in-bounds, providing a more controlled option for those with little or no backcountry experience who still search for adventure. With a vertical rise of 939 feet and a ride time of a little more than two-and-a-half minutes, the Imperial Express SuperChair will serve 400 acres of Breckenridge's famed existing in-bounds double-black diamond and extreme terrain previously only accessible by hiking approximately 45 minutes to the summit of Peak 8.
Advanced-intermediate skiers and riders also will be able to take advantage of the now lift-served terrain in Imperial Bowl, which will provide much sought after, above timberline, groomed terrain. From the top of the new lift, skiers and riders of intermediate, advanced and expert levels will be able to challenge themselves in Art’s Bowl, Peak 7 Bowl, North Bowl, Imperial Bowl, Whale’s Tail and the resort’s in-bounds extreme terrain located in the LakeChutes. The new lift will increase Breckenridge’s uphill capacity this season by 600 people per hour, which means that Breckenridge skiers and riders will have greater access to the resort’s 2,208 acres.
Imperial Express Facts:
Summit of Lift: 12,840 ft.
Base of Lift: 11,901 ft.
Vertical Rise: 939 ft.
2.7 minute ride time
2,714.8 ft. in length
9 towers
Capacity of 600 people per hour, upgradeable to 1800 people per hour
15 chairs this season, upgradeable to 45 chairs
Access to the Imperial Express SuperChair:
View from the Top:
Panoramic views including: