by tipsdown » Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:43 pm
I have heard that False Peak is on the priority list...I have a slightly different opinion though...
If there was no other terrain expansion from the summit, I would agree that it would not be in their best interest given the points made in this post. But from what I understand, there's substantial terrain expansion planned on the other side of Muleskinner. If that's the case, I think a low capacity, low level lift (with a liftline comparable to Family Secret) would make sense...Add 30 acres of summit glades to what's already there and the mountain should handle that lift fine...Keep in mind it's going to be an experts-only area so novice/intermediate skiers won't be riding it..
I think Saddleback's biggest priority should be a top-bottom lift (ala better designed Super Quad) to replace the Rangeley....This would allow for potentially 3 summit lifts, all with their own unique trail system.
The first would be the Rangeley replacement...terminating up on the little nubble above the outer portion of America. It's the mellow section of the summit, so it would allow beginners an intermediates to ski several trails (with expansion) from the summit, not to mention it would be in the running for most scenic (and coolest) lift in the East. It would also provide access to drop into West Bowl.
The second would be the current Kennebego lift. This would continue to access the front face steeps aka Supervisor Tightline, Wardens, Governer, Secret....In the future, Saddleback could groom and extend some of these current trails to a future lower lift on the mountain (no name peak lift system) to accommodate those that like the long fast groomers..Or they can stay on the upper mountian and do laps on the Kennebego all day
And lastly Flase Peak. Terrain expansion out there would provide access to the already gnarly wildness Saddleback has become known for. As long as it's done right, this could potentially be my favorite lift of all of them...Saddleback's summit glades are very unique and this lift would only serve to reinforce that.
Eventually, access to the backside and west bowl should be the next priority.