From the White Pass Site:

http://www.skiwhitepass.com/Construction/index.cfm

These guys are waisting NO time to get their lifts up. I think that is SO great. I notice they aren't listed on the ski lifts forum yet, so perhaps this has come together too quickly to notice...

It's not on ski lift forums yet for 2009 because these lifts aren't supposed to be done until Summer 2010. They sure are getting in early start though. It still says on the White Pass site that the expansion will open for the 2010-2011 ski season.

Think they are hauling this stuff in the snow because the area has no roads and it would be cheaper to tow the towers across snow rather then helicopter them in?

Just a thought?

I dig White Pass! I haven't been there in years, but it is one of my personal top 3 places to ride in WA.

Hyak Ski and Snowboard Adventure
On the World-Wide-Web since 1997

There will be two short roads built to the bottom drive stations of each lift. Otherwise it will be roadless. Northway at Crystal was similar but they got nothing done over snow and I think they regretted that.

I wonder if that 2010-11 entry is a mistake. I can't see hanging lifts and letting them sit a year. That would be a BIG mistake. I'm guessing they had the money, jumped on a great deal from lift manufactures and when into hurry-up mode. I'll bet those lifts turn next year.

That's a good point, Doppelmayr CTEC is waaaay down on orders this year. Since they are doing the installation, they might want to get it out of the way this summer assuming next summer will be busier.

I sent White Pass an email, someone responded (within 30 minutes at 8pm in the off season!) that both lifts will be ready simultaneously in November 2010. They are just getting an early start on next summer.