The Kachina Peak Lift, right here in Taos Ski Valley.
The new lift will expand the mountain’s advanced and expert lift-serviced terrain by 50 percent. The five-minute ride will whisk skiers up some 1,100 feet on a triple-seated fixed grip lift to New Mexico’s second-highest peak to an altitude of 12,450 feet.
The lift is being manufactured and installed by Salt Lake City-based Skytrac. A majority of the concrete was poured in April, and the crew was back last week to install the poles. I’ve gotten to know some of the guys when they come in Café Naranja to eat breakfast or buy beer.
It’s tough work in tough terrain, but they seem to take it all in stride. Check out the video to see just how tough:
Here’s a report from Albuquerque television station KOAT that aired back in May:
The new lift is on schedule to be operational when ski season starts on Thanksgiving.
Are you ready?
