Mt. Bachelor Mountain Resort: Northwest Chairlift Modernization Project Update

Over the past several weeks, significant progress has been made at both the upper and lower terminals, including:

One of the most impactful improvements happening this summer isn't immediately visible—but guests will notice the difference next winter. Crews are currently trenching and installing new communication and fiber optic lines, beginning at the top terminal, and working downhill to Tower 15. From Tower 15 to the bottom terminal, the lines will continue overhead.

In previous winters, these communication and fiber lines were suspended high above the treeline, where they were exposed to severe weather and heavy rime ice. During storms, ice buildup could place tension on the cables, occasionally pulling them loose from connection points and triggering faults that required maintenance crews to stop the lift and investigate.

By burying much of this critical infrastructure underground, the lift will be significantly better protected from weather-related disruptions, improving reliability and reducing unexpected stoppages during winter operations. This work is one of several improvements designed to help Northwest open more consistently following storms while minimizing weather-related downtime.

Mt. Bachelor’s Director of Mountain Operations, Dustin Smith, said one of the most useful pieces of equipment on the project has been the spider excavator, which has been digging the trench for the new underground utilities.

“Unlike a conventional excavator, a spider excavator is designed to navigate steep, rocky, and uneven mountain terrain without requiring the construction of temporary access roads,” said Smith. “Its independently adjustable legs allow it to "walk" across challenging landscapes while minimizing ground disturbance.”

Using this specialized equipment helps reduce environmental impacts during construction by limiting soil disturbance and preserving more of Mt. Bachelor's unique alpine environment.

Construction activity will continue throughout the summer with several exciting milestones on the horizon.

Concrete is scheduled to be poured next week, and teams from Doppelmayr will arrive on-site to begin assembling the new lift modernization equipment inside both terminals, marking another major step forward in progress.

In August, a crane will deliver a brand-new diesel auxiliary power unit, electric motor, and drive system—critical components that will modernize the lift's operating system and bring it in line with the technology used on Skyliner.

Each week brings the project one step closer to delivering a more reliable, resilient Northwest chairlift, ensuring guests have more consistent access to some of Mt. Bachelor's most iconic expert terrain.