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Still 'Single' After All These Years

By J.D. O'Connor
March 19, 2007

The single chairlift that has been ferrying skiers up General Stark Mountain at Mad River Glen has become somewhat of a "beloved anachronism" in today's world of high-tech, high-speed, detachable, multi-seat chairlifts. It has remained single after 58 years and dates back to when ski lifts were a novel idea and lift tickets were $3.50.

It's days are numbered, but don't fret. The 158-seat chairlift will undergo a $1.5 million renovation at season's end.

The diesel engine that powers it will be replaced with an electric motor, the towers will be sandblasted, repainted, and installed anew. Even the wood chairs will be replaced. But, here's what matters. It's going to remain single. Skiing's heritage will be honored. Mad River's 1,700 shareholders opted to rebuild the lift rather than build a multi-seater that might even cost less. Shareholders are participating in a closed-bid auction of 140 of the old chairs, with a minimum bid of $1,000 each. The project is being financed through donations. It's Mad River. That's why it is what it is.

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Comments

wonderful that Craig can remember all of the details having been there when it opened and was one of the first passengers......some say this was the beginning of his illustrious career on "both sides" (as a superlative writer and then becoming a whore by taking on the PR mantle and then with bowed head went back to becoming an even more superlative writer)........we that know him are proud to say so..........T

Posted by: Tony Furman | March 19, 2007 02:49 PM