Loon South Peak Updates
Welcome to our Loon Mountain South Peak Blog – a great way to stay informed about our progress on the new South Peak expansion.
The idea and process of the South Peak development was first started in 1983. So it is certainly a dream come true for many people as we are now just months away from the first skiers and snowboarders cruising down the slopes of South Peak!
This summer, we're building two quad chairlifts, the high-speed, detachable Lincoln Express and the Tote Road Quad, which will connect the summit of South Peak to the existing mountain (at the top of Upper Speakeasy). This winter, we'll have a temporary home for guest services at the base of the Lincoln Express, as well as additional parking. South Peak will add exciting new terrain and a whole new way to access Loon Mountain! More services will be added in the coming seasons, so this is just the beginning!
From now through South Peak's grand opening this December, we will post weekly updates about the trail, lift and base area construction of South Peak. Through a gallery of photos, video and commentary, we hope that our South Peak Blog will become a scrapbook of exciting memories for you and the next generation of skiers and snowboarders.
Click an image below to view the complete South Peak image scrapbook... |
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South Peak Update 10/25/07:: Lift Tower Installation - Secret Agent Man
When I began asking Ralph some preliminary questions about the installation of the lift towers, I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into.I started with simple questions, like, “Can I get a ride in the helicopter?” Ralph’s answer was “NO!” He kept spouting words like “liability”, “risk management”, “insurance”. I kept telling him the helicopter cockpit would be a great place to film our video snack.
The sky was vivid blue, and the foliage colors popped Monday morning, October22. I pulled in to Loon and saw the helicopter and crew in the main parking lot setting up for the first ascent. It wasn’t long before we heard the familiar sound of chopper blades drumming the air overhead.
We arrived at the top when the installation crew was about halfway across Tote Road. I had seen the concrete pouring and the takeoff from the parking lot, but now I was really close to the action.
My first thought was, “I am so lucky and so cool to be up here right now.” Then… the chopper came over the trees with a tower swinging from its belly. My next thought was, “Duck and Run!!!” But I couldn’t leave! I had to get the pictures. Plus, growing up in a family of boys, I knew I couldn’t freak out and start crying that I was way too afraid for this! So I planted my feet, angled the camera and watched as Tower 5 was lowered onto its footings.
Doppelmayr had a crew of about eight guys at the summit. One gentleman wore a very cool “secret-agent man” sort of helmet with a microphone attached to it. He was in constant contact with the pilot and would relay instructions.
While a tower was being installed, the crew grabbed the bottom and centered the tower on the bolts. They worked feverishly to screw in the bolts-- while the pilot kept the helicopter steady in the air above.
When the attachment neared completion, one very brave soul climbed the tower ladder to the top and unhooked the cables attached to the helicopter.
This whole operation took no more than four or five minutes. The helicopter then left to get a cross arm. (I took this time to catch my breath.)
The cross arm is the top section of the lift tower contains the sheave assemblies. This is the section of the tower that the cable runs through and the chairs pass over. So the whole tower looks like a big capital T. Let me say here: if you can install a cross arm, you can pretty much do anything. Even thinking about the precision and skill of these guys gives me chills. It was amazing to watch!
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to play the role of superhero and install a cross arm at a moment’s notice, here’s what you do:
1. Find someone like yourself who has no fear of heights or large objects coming at you through midair.
2. Put on harnesses, and you and your buddy climb the previously installed lift tower. Actually, you will most likely already be in position, because you were the brave souls who unhooked the cables from the previous helicopter.
3. When the helicopter arrives with the cross arm, reach up and grab it.
4. Begin to “gently” pull it toward you and tower. There are two small holes (A) on the cross arm that must be placed over two connector rods (B) at the top of the tower. Find A and B and begin to position this really, REALLY big piece of steel into place.
5. Once in place, jump on top of the cross arm and bolt said metal piece to large tower from which you have just leaped.
6. Finally, walk to edge of cross arm and disconnect attaching cables.
7. Repeat 31 more times.
One last piece of advice: If the winds pick up or the cross arm starts to swing, DUCK! There is really no reason to worry; the pilot and supporting crew are all professionals.
This is my brief, but lengthy description of the lift installation. In all seriousness, it was incredible to watch, and I have an even greater respect for the crews working on this project. It’s easy to think, “Oh yeah, a couple of lifts, a couple of trails, what’s the big deal?” It’s a HUGE deal! After reading this, I hope when you get on the new South Peak lifts this winter, you’ll have a better appreciation for what was accomplished over the summer and fall.
South Peak Base Area Update: At the end of the week, I scouted out the base area at South Peak. The new structure is in the process of being completed, and there’s been more work to the parking area. Work at the new snowmaking pond continues. I’ll have more updates soon!
A very big THANK YOU to Dan Walsh for driving up the mountain, and Kevin Young at Doppelmayr for answering all my questions!
Enjoy the day!
Stacy Lopes
South Peak Update 10.18.07
On Monday, October 22, we will begin to fly 32 lift towers, over a period of two days. These towers make up the Lincoln Express high-speed quad and the Tote Road Connector quad chairlifts.Twenty-one towers are scheduled to be installed on the face of South Peak, comprising the lift line for the Lincoln Express, and 11 towers are scheduled to be installed along the Tote Road, which connects the existing terrain on Loon Mountain to the summit of South Peak. The Tote Road Quad will take skiers and snowboarders in both directions, to and from the summit of South Peak.
Each lift tower is approximately 40 ft. high and weighs approximately 16,000 lbs. Both lifts are being constructed and installed by Doppelmayr, CTEC. Doppelmayr has previously installed Loon Mountain’s North Peak Express Quad and its Kancamagus Quad.
We will begin to make snow on November 1, and plan to open for skiing and snowboarding Wednesday, November 21. The new lifts and trails of South Peak are scheduled to open in mid-December. We'll celebrate South Peak's official opening on Thursday, December 21.
South Peak Update 10.09.07
We are now officially closed for the fall and we plan to open the gondola for skiing and riding on Wednesday, November 21. Thanks for a great summer, and now start to think happy, snowy thoughts. Our snowmakers have had a busy summer working on South Peak, but are eager to get back to the business of making snow.We have finished pre-fabricating the Valve House for South Peak. It was put together at the base area, and has to be driven up the mountain to its final destination at the summit of South Peak. The Valve House is where the manifolds for the air and water snowmaking pipes are kept, and it's where we can control the flow of air and water to the snowmaking guns on South Peak.
The conduit and electrical has been installed across Tote Road. There's even a phone at the top of South Peak. Not sure on the direct extension yet, so hold off on any calls for a few more weeks.
This week, we will be paving the rest of Crooked Mountain Road from the base of South Peak to where the old Loon horse barn was. To access South Peak this winter, you will turn off Main Street on to Cooper Memorial Drive and head over the bridge, as if you were going to our big South Peak parking lot. After you cross the bridge turn left, and then follow the road up to the base of South Peak.
The structure for Pemigewasset Base Camp is due to arrive by next Monday, October 15.
The flying of the lift towers is tentatively scheduled for the week of October 23. I will keep you posted. Drop us a line if you taken some pictures at South Peak or Loon over the past months. We will try and post them.
Stacy Lopes
Update 09.25.07 :: Snowmaking, Tower Prep--and Men in Kilts
Over the past weekend, Loon hosted the 32nd Annual New Hampshire Highland Games. There was great weather, great food, great music, and great crowds. Oh, and lots and lots of men in kilts. If you've never made it up here for this celebration of all things Scottish, put it on your calendar for next year.Many of staff, including most of the crew working on South Peak, were working the Highland Games. This was a treat for many of us who haven’t seen our friends all summer because they've kept themselves rather busy on the project site. Hosting a big event like the Highland Games is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.
Special kudos to Loon's Events Coordinator, Katie Ross, who did an unbelievable job of keeping all of us and herself calm through the whole weekend. She was the alka-seltzer to your upset stomach after you've had too many fish-n-chips.
Back to South Peak!
Right now, we are, so to speak, "cleaning up our toys". Remember when you were a kid and your mom wouldn't let you play Monopoly until you put away checkers? Well, we've done a lot of work the past 5 months, and now we are cleaning up, getting ready for the next phase.
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If you are out hiking around, or at the Summit, you’ll see that Lee Willey and Ken Mack are over on the top of South Peak moving more ledge and rocks that we blasted earlier in the summer.
- The rest of the snowmaking hydrants and tower gun posts are being put into place.
- We are working on finishing the snowmaking valve houses on South Peak.
- Lasting, we are at the base of the mountain, cleaning up down there. We are finishing grading the parking lots and have poured the floor for the Pemigewasset Base Camp.
Hope you are able to get out and take in the foliage!
Stacy Lopes
Update 09.13.07 :: Concrete Complete; Tower Gun Drilling in Progress
The leaves are starting to change and the construction on South Peak continues. Last week, we finished the flying of the concrete. We still have to pour the foundation for the base terminal and Towers 1, 2, and 3 for the Lincoln Express Quad; however, this can be done with a cement truck that can drive directly to the site.With the footings in place, the next piece is to pull pipe across Tote Road. The pipe is for snowmaking as well as all things electrical. This should be complete by the end of the week.
On the hill, our crew has started to drill the stanchions for the tower guns. There are approximately 100 of these going in this fall.
Down at the base area of South Peak, all the utilities are set. The floor for the Pemigewasset Base Camp pavillion is set to be poured this week, too.
Over at the Connector Pond (our new snowmaking pond), we are ready to pump down the pond. Once that is complete, we can install the intake valves for the snowmaking system. Check out the latest images in our South Peak Image Gallery.
Have a great week! - Stacy Lopes
09.05.07 :: Flying Concrete
I've only been in a helicopter once. Two winters ago when we were shooting photos with South Peak Resort I had a thrilling ride over Loon Mountain and town of Lincoln. It was an amazing ride and quite a thrill to see the mountain from such a different perspective.The helicopter to fly the concrete for the footings of the lift towers arrived this morning about 9 AM. The concrete arrived a short time later.
I thought that maybe today I would have the opportunity to take another chopper ride. Sadly for me, it's not my lucky day. It was all business outside the Governor's Lodge, where they are staging the operation.
There are two crews down there. One crew works with the chopper to refuel when necessary, and the second crew is from the Persons Concrete.
While the helicopter is flying one bucket of concrete, the crew on the ground is pouring a second bucket that is ready to take off when the helicopter returns. Each bucket holds only 1 3/4 yards of concrete. We have 32 towers in all- so that's a lot of concrete to be poured in the next 3 days!
Check out the latest images in our South Peak Image Gallery.
Standing on the deck of the Competition Center, we saw the pilot power up the bird. The blades started rotating, and it got really loud. The helicopter started rise off the ground, blowing sand all around, as the theme music from M.A.S.H. started to play in my head.
I looked around for Radar. No Radar- just Doug Hurd, long-time lift maintenance guy. We watched as they hooked up the first bucket, poured the first bit of concrete, and saw the helicopter fly up over Snubber and Speakeasy to South Peak. One step closer to opening day in December!
Tomorrow, I'm going to head over to Tote Road for some more pictures of the pouring. If I can't get a helicopter ride, maybe Ralph will let me leave my handprint in one of the footings!
Enjoy the weather! Stacy Lopes
8.28.07 :: Preparing for Second Phase of Construction
Hi Friends!I got back yesterday from my trip to North Dakota. It's a beautiful state, with rolling hills and farms as far as the eye can see, but not too many mountains.
While I've been away, the crew here at Loon has been getting ready for the second phase of the South Peak construction to begin next week, with a tentative date of September 5 for flying in the concrete to pour the footings for the lift towers. Here's what else has been going on:
» All of the major construction on Boom Run is now complete. Ken Mack and his crew are finishing clearing out the last of the rock from the last blast a couple weeks ago.
» We are working on the base facility at South Peak. The floor for that is also scheduled to be poured next week.
» Our electrical staff is across town at our new snowmaking pond. They are installing conduit for the wire that will power the pumps at the new pond.
» The main snowmaking lines that connect our New River Pump House to the base of South Peak have also been installed and connected.
We continue to clean up around the base area of South Peak, and within the next two weeks will be replanting grass. The other big upcoming project is to bring the snowmaking pipe and electrical conduit across Tote Road once the concrete has been poured in the tower footings.
I hope everyone enjoys these last days of August! Ralph and I are going to hike down Boom Run tomorrow, and will post a new update and more pictures at the end of this week.
Take care,
Stacy Lopes
8.16.07 :: Update - Tentative Schedule for Flying Lift Tower Concrete
The tentative date to fly the concrete for the lift tower bases is September 4. This date is subject to change, so be sure to stay tuned here for updates on this, as well as the schedule for flying the lift towers!
8.15.07 :: Update - One Step Closer to Firing Up the Snowguns
If you look out the window and up the river from our marketing office (The Tower in the Gondola Barn), you will see some leaves are starting to change. Can you believe it? I can’t. I have mixed emotions about this. I love all things summer; however, each time I catch up with Ralph Lewis or Mike Mock on the progress we are making on South Peak, I get very excited for the snow to fly.We (as in trained professionals, and not I, Stacy Lopes) are still welding pipe for the connector lift. Boom Run is coming along--with the last of the blasting finishing this week. Crews are now working on moving ledge. Also this week, the snowmakers have been working on connecting the new South Peak snowmaking to our existing snowmaking system- just one more step closer to firing up the guns!
Doppelmayr is busy drilling, pinning and preparing for the tower foundations for the Lincoln Express Quad.
Last note for this week is we’ve also begun construction on the parking lot at base of South Peak.
8.8.07 :: Construction Update
Two weeks ago, Stacy Lopes and I hiked up Cruiser to experience the view from the summit of South Peak. This week, I returned to the summit. Instead of hiking up Cruiser, this time I took the gondola to Loon's summit and walked down from there, courtesy of Tote Road.From the summit, I headed down Upper Bear Claw. When Tote Road came into view, I noticed workers welding snowmaking pipe. That these "connector pipes" will cross Tote Road to connect both the Loon and South Peak summits.
Soon I was walking down Tote Road, making sure to snap some pictures (check them out in our South Peak Image Gallery). Everything is looking good, with terminal footprints in place, ready to be filled with concrete. The concrete is expected to be flown in by the third week of August.
Tote Road was quiet, with no activity today. It will be interesting to see this connector lift in full motion come winter!
At end of Tote Road, I was at the summit of South Peak, overlooking both Boom Run and Cruiser trails. Both views were magnificent! Crews are finishing blasting on Boom Run, and they will be done landscaping within a week.
I resisted the urge to stare out at the mountains all day, and headed back down Tote Road. About halfway down I heard a faint beeping, followed by a muffled BOOM from another blast on Boom Run.
Take care folks!
Justin Litalien
8.3.07 :: Snowmaking, Lift Construction, and Base Area on Target!
Hello folks! Progress remains steady on the construction of South Peak. Boom Run is still being landscaped, as we continue to blast on that trail. We are hopeful that we will be finished with this aspect within two weeks.Snowmaking pipe is being pulled on Boom Run as well. The goal for finishing this is within three weeks.
We've poured the foundation for the Pemigewasset Base Camp and its structure will be coming in shortly. Upon completion, it will look similar to the Governor's Pavilion.
Concrete for our lift terminals is scheduled to be flown in mid-August. The projected timeline to fly the towers is October--stay tuned for the date.
All in all, progress is on schedule! Be sure to check the latest images added to our South Peak image scrapbook.
7.26.07 :: Hiking Up Cruiser
Two weeks ago, Stacy hiked down Boom Run. Although still in its early phases, her enthusiasm towards the trail was contagious. This week, Stacy decided to bring me along on a hike up Cruiser, the trail across from Boom Run.We started at the base of South Peak, where the construction of the new Pemigewasset Base Camp is taking shape. The walls are now up on the structure and it's looking really good. From there we headed up the trail. On our side were plenty of snowmaking pipes ready to be pulled up Boom Run.
The view behind us was incredible! The quaint town of Lincoln was right before our eyes. When choosing this trail come winter, you will be guaranteed an excellent view of the town and the surrounding mountains. Unfortunately, this is when my camera battery decided to stop working. Sorry folks, more pictures next week!
As we got to the top of the 2,450-foot summit, Dopplemayr workers were busy on the Lincoln Express Quad terminal. As we walked around the summit, we saw firsthand the effects of the recent blasting. With rock strewn about, the top terminal of the connector lift (Tote Road Quad) was all set, ready for its concrete and corresponding tower.
We headed down Tote Road and bumped into Ralph Lewis, Loon's Director of Mountain Operations. He told us Boom Run had some more blasting recently, and workers were still busy landscaping the trail.
The hilly terrain of Cruiser made for an interesting hike. It will certainly be fun to ski and ride down when winter arrives. December can't come soon enough!
Best regards,
Justin Litalien
7.19.07 :: Electrical Department Hard at Work
I ran into the guys from our Electrical Department yesterday--Randy Kelley, Denny Rineer, John Irish and David Gabriel. They have been working hard on a variety of projects in preparation for the installation of the lifts, as well as the putting in place the snowmaking system. Here's a bit of what's been going on in their world.
» The primary high voltage connection for South Peak has been installed. This will come off the Booster Pump House, just above the loading terminal for the Tote Road Quad, and go across to the summit of South Peak.
» They have been installing the telecommunications and electrical infrastructure for South Peak.
» Not only have they been on the hill, they have also been down at our "New River Pump House". This one is located on Loon Brook Road, at the start of the South Peak Resort. (It's where we also kept our buses). Here, they have installed a motor control center for the new transfer pumps from Connector Pond.
Connector Pond is located in North Lincoln, and the place where we will take water for snowmaking, if we reach the minimum flow on the river. This will be the first winter we will use Connector Pond instead of Loon Pond.
I've learned that we all have a place here at Loon. Mine is definitely in Marketing! I couldn't tell an amp from a volt from a kilowatt. Thankfully, we have a great crew of dedicated individuals who know their stuff, and are just as excited as you are about the new peak!
Cheers,
Stacy Lopes
7.16.07 :: Connector Lift Taking Shape
Last week, I walked South Peak with resident painter, Race Man, and all-around Mr. Loon Mountain - Peter Bodwell. From the top of the Gondola we made our way down Exodus over to the site of the base terminal for the connector lift (Tote Road). It's really starting to take shape - with a lot of rebar in place awaiting concrete. Concrete and the lift towers are scheduled to be flown in by helicopter early this fall.
We made our way to the summit of South Peak where both lifts will unload. We've been blasting the past weeks, and there is a lot of rock up there! Ken Mack and Lee Wiley were busy in their massive excavators moving the rock - building walls and clearing rock for the top terminals of both lifts.
We decided to walk down Boom Run (Trail 40 as it's also known). It's amazing to see how much work has been done. This is the trail on which you are going to want to "let 'em rip". Our snowmaking crew, including Jake Hall, Eric Comptois and Rob Haskins, are still pulling snowmaking pipe up to the top. Right now, they are the ones that know these trails better than anyone else.
When we got to the bottom, surveyors were working at base of the Lincoln Express Quad, and the welders were work on more snowmaking pipe.
Just think, in five months we'll be skiing and riding over there!
I think this week, I'll take a stroll down Cruiser (Trail 45).
7.13.07 :: Construction Focused on Two Phases of Project:
1. Since the blasting last week, we've removed a lot of rock on Lincoln Express. Workers are busy clearing the area of all the rock and debris. Also, another blast took place on Wednesday.2. Our Boom Run trail is still being worked on and it's nearing completion. Workers are almost done laying all of the 8,400 feet of snowmaking pipe!
07.05.07 :: Lift Line Progress
The base for the connector lift, Tote Road Quad, has been surveyed and ready for some action. Workers are already digging up rock and getting ready for the base and corresponding towers.At the other end of the connector lift, our team was busy blasting on Lincoln Express, the high speed lift that travels from the base of South Peak all the way to its summit.
Both lifts are making great progress on this important aspect of our South Peak project.
Check out our image gallery for some cool blasting photos.
06.28.07 :: Connector Lift Area Taking Shape
The area that will be holding the connector lift is starting to take shape. We've cleared out the area (see pictures) and Dopplemayr has marked off the locations for the lift towers.The demolition of the Loon Pond pumphouse is just about finished. The pumphouse is no longer there and some old steel pipes are left hanging around. Workers are digging those up and taking them away, leaving no traces behind. Soon, there will be no remains of the old pumphouse.
Our electricians are also continue pulling wire through the conduit to South Peak. More updates next week. In the meantime, check out the latest images in our image gallery.
Check out our most recent video!
06.21.07 :: We're Making Great Progress--Cruiser Snowmaking Pipe Complete!
We're covering a lot of ground and making great progress on the new South Peak trails and base area. Here's a recap of the latest work being done on infrastructure, trails, lifts and amenities:Electrical: The crew finished laying the electrical conduit, and the electricians are now pulling electrical wire through the conduit to South Peak.
Lifts & Trails: Dopplemayr, the company installing our new lifts, has begun drilling for the tower placements. Snowmaking pipe on Cruiser is now all in place. Today, welders are installing the weldlets for the hydrants. When that is done, snowmaking capability on Cuiser will be complete!
Base Area Amenities: Construction will begin next week on the new 40' x 100' sprung structure, when our crews pour the foundation. This structure will be a bit larger than our Governor's Lodge Pavilion, and will be the place to go for tickets, food and beverage, and ski school services. The new parking area adjacent to the base area will accommodate 150 cars.
Check our scrapbook for the latest photos, and be sure to stay tuned right here for more updates!
06.07.07 :: Construction Progress
Progress continues as the Boom Run and Cruiser trails are starting to take shape. Our construction team is hard at work at the foot of Boom Run, starting to make some headway on its two mile length. Our welders are still attaching our snowmaking pipes and will be continuing their efforts over the next few weeks.The base area has been cleaned out recently with approximately 35 trees being cut down. These logs will not just be tossed away, as Loon will be using them to fuel our popular train!
Over the next few weeks our crews will continue to work on this important phase of our South Peak project.
06.01.07 :: Trail Progress
Over the past two weeks we have continued to install snowmaking pipe on Cruiser. We've trimmed more of the Lincoln Express lift line for Doppelmayr, and the huge excavation for the bottom terminal of the Lincoln Express.Next week we will continue on the snowmaking pipe for Cruiser, seeking to wrap up the excavation for the bottom terminal area. Our crews will begin to run conduit for power from the booster Pump House, at the top of Upper Bear Claw to the top of South Peak.
We also anticipate on Monday to start on the drilling and blasting at the top of South Peak, and down Boom Run.
05.24.07 :: Background and Facts
FACTS about the project so far....
- We started officially working on the South Peak construction project in February 2007. The first months of the project consisted of cutting and clearing trees on Boom Run. If you are standing at the base of South Peak, Boom Run is the long wide trail that sweeps around to the left.
This phase of the project includes an additional 49 acres of terrain: Cruiser and Boom Run will both be covered by snowmaking. Undercut will feature some open glades and will be a natural snow trail. More terrain will be added in subsequent years of the expansion. - We are installing over 50,000 feet of snowmaking pipe this summer. That's almost 10 miles of pipe! The pipe will carry water that is pumped up from the Pemigewasset River.
Project Timelines:
- Snowmaking: Pipe installation is taking place now and will continue through the summer.
- Lifts: We are installing 2 chairlifts this summer:
1) The Lincoln Express, a high-speed detachable quad from the base to the summit of South Peak.
2) Tote Road Quad, a fixed-grip quad chair that will transport skiers and snowboarders back and forth from the existing ski area, starting just above the top of Upper Speakeasy on Loon Peak, to the summit of South Peak. Currently Dopplemayr/CTEC is surveying where the towers for these lifts will be located.
In June, the foundations for the towers will be poured, and then tower and line construction will follow. - Parking: There will be approximately 150 parking spaces at the base of South Peak and the parking area will be paved this fall.
- Base area facility: This structure, similar to the Governor's Pavilion, will be a temporary home for guest services such as lift tickets, ski school and food & beverage services.
