Whitewater announces new Quad Chairlift for 2023-2024 season
By The Nelson Daily Staff
There’s some huge news coming out of Whitewater Ski Resort, and the news isn’t just about the amazing snow conditions.
The Nelson-based ski resort is pleased to announce a new quad chairlift that will run to the top of Silver King Ridge from the main base area.
The new chairlift will be a brand-new, fixed-grip quad from Leitner Poma and is scheduled to be spinning for the 2023-2024 winter season.
“We are incredibly excited to announce the new quad chairlift which will not only open up more terrain but also shows Knee Deep’s continued investment into the resort,” said Kirk Jensen, Whitewater Ski Resort General Manager in a media release.
“As with all development at the resort, we went through referrals and stakeholder engagement during the 2019 Master Plan addendum which helps us ensure the lift is constructed in a responsible way.”
The new quad will run from the base area of Whitewater Ski Resort up 430m (1410 ft) to the Silver King Ridge which is Southeast of White Queen mountain.
The base of the lift will be located to the left of the Skier Services Building as you approach the base area. The fixed-grip quad will move as many as 1600 people per hour and will allow skiers and snowboarders inbound access to more than 160+ additional acres of steep and deep gladed skiing as well as a few new groomed runs.
The new expansion will also bring an increased amount of vertical to Whitewater Ski Resort as the new lift is 40+ meters, or 140+ feet, longer than the Summit Lift. The new chairlift will also be a welcome addition for beginner skiers and riders as it will reduce usage of the current Silver King chairlift which will remain in place.
“Whitewater is known for its steep, playful terrain, and the new quad truly aligns with the Whitewater brand by opening access to more of that type of terrain,” said Colby Lehman, Whitewater Ski Resort Outdoor Operations Manager.
“This new quad will also reduce the demand on the current Silver King lift which ultimately will make for a better experience for both experts and beginners who ride the Silver King Lift.”
Construction on the new lift begins this summer with lift-line and trail access development, followed by the lift installation which is scheduled for the summer of 2023. The lift will be spinning to the public for the 2023- 2024 winter season. Whitewater Ski Resort receives an average of 40+ feet of snow per year, making the weather window for lift construction very short and therefore installation will be over a two year period.
Along with the construction of the lift, Whitewater Ski Resort is also working to complete the Backcountry Adventure Lodge and campground for March 2023. Further resort enhancements are scheduled to coincide with the new lift, adjustments to the current Silver King Lift, new ridge top and base area hiking trails, and adaptive mountain biking (cross-country).
About Whitewater Ski Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort is a world class skiing destination located just outside of Nelson, BC in the Selkirk Mountains. The tagline ‘Pure, Simple, and Real…Deep’ is well suited as they are renowned for receiving a stoke-inducing 12+ metres (40ft) of light, dry powder every season. With no Wi-Fi or cell service, an eclectic menu, and a community vibe that is unmatched they offer a truly one of a kind experience.
