Foundation Set for New Lift in Banff-Lake Louise

May 10th, 2010: BANFF-LAKE LOUISE, Alberta, Canada

Skiers and snowboarders were treated to an unexpected spectacle on Monday (May 10, 2010), as an industrial-sized helicopter flew dozens of trips to the top of the Strawberry lift at Sunshine Village, delivering concrete.

The day-long ‘pour’ of concrete sets the foundation for the new 2010 Strawberry high-speed quad, which is being installed over the summer in time for the 2010-11 ski season.

The concrete is being poured now, during the ski season (which ends May 24), so that the heavy top mechanical assembly for the lift can be transported over packed snow. This avoids any potential damage to the natural vegetation in the sensitive environmental area.

The U.S.-built Kaman K-MAX helicopter was going steady all day long, making a trip from the base rear parking lot area to the top of Strawberry every nine minutes. Over the course of the day, the chopper made approx. 60 trips, delivering a total of 42 cubic metres of concrete for the base.

“This is all zero-impact,” said Dan Markham, of Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine. “Preserving this unique environment is vital, as we’re in the heart of a UNESCO World heritage Site, Banff National Park. Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village are all noted for their progressive environmental practices. The purchase, reuse and careful installation of this lift represents yet another positive step.”

The new Doppelmayr high speed quad will replace the Strawberry triple chair at Sunshine Village which, at 35 years old, has reached the end of its service life. The new lift was originally used to shuttle Olympic and Paralympic spectators during February’s Games. In addition to preserving the Olympic legacy for the local community, installing the lift in Banff-Lake Louise will improve the ski and snowboard experience for beginners, offering even more convenient and comfortable access to green and blue runs.

This lift replacement is part of continued efforts to constantly improve the ski and snowboard experience in Banff National Park. Last season The Lake Louise Ski Area opened a newly replaced Ptarmigan Chair, increasing guest comfort and significantly reducing power consumption. The Leitner Poma fixed-grip quad was replaced adhering to strict environmental guidelines, including soil salvaging during construction, access via existing trails only, the majority of work being completed by hand, grizzly bear protocol adhered to with a monitoring process and education for staff and construction crew.

Mt. Norquay has also added value this season, opening a new Tubing Park for those young and old to enjoy. Working in conjunction with Parks Canada, the lift-accessed course was designed and built to offer an exciting and fun-filled activity which, at the same time, allows the surrounding environment to remain preserved.

New Lift Statistics

• Rated capacity of 1,800 guests per hour.
• 45 chairs.
• 8 towers.
• Approx. ride time of 2.7 minutes.
• Bottom drive, detachable quad lift.
• Manufactured by Doppelmayr CTEC, of Kelowna, B.C.

For additional video formats, information, interviews, story ideas or access to high resolution images please contact:

Liz Robins
Public Relations
Email: Liz@SkiBig3.com
Phone: 1-403-760-7742
www.SkiBig3.com
www.BanffSnow.com

Ski Banff–Lake Louise–Sunshine is Canada’s largest ski destination, a joint venture of three of the world’s finest ski resorts; Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village. Available on one tri-area lift ticket, our three resorts offer almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and one of the longest ski seasons in North America, from mid November to late May, all in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.