Alberta’s Second Largest Resort Planning For First Express Lift
In a landmark announcement that marks a new era for Canadian skiing, Castle Mountain Resort, known as Alberta’s second-largest resort without a high-speed lift, has made a significant stride forward. The resort, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Southwestern Alberta, today revealed an exciting development: the acquisition of the Angel Express from Sunshine Village.
This move is not just a transaction but a meaningful transition in the world of Canadian winter sports. The Angel Express, a 1988 Poma detachable quad, is a revered piece of equipment in the skiing community. While it will be retiring this spring from Sunshine Village to make room for a state-of-the-art six-person bubble chair, its journey is far from over.
Dean Parkinson, the General Manager of Castle Mountain Resort, expressed his enthusiasm about this acquisition. "We are excited to be acquiring such a great lift from a reputable industry partner," he said, emphasising the significance of this collaboration between two iconic Alberta resorts. Parkinson also noted the local benefit of this decision, stating, "It is a great thing to be keeping this lift in Alberta, and we appreciate Sunshine’s willingness to work with us on this purchase."
The specifics of the Angel Express's new home at Castle Mountain are still under wraps. While no official timeline or location for reinstallation has been announced, there are several possibilities. One logical scenario is that the lift could replace the Sundance triple, Castle’s main out-of-base lift, which opened in 1996. Alternatively, the lift could rejuvenate the Huckleberry or Tamarack lifts. Perhaps even more intriguing is the potential for an entirely new alignment. Castle’s latest master plan ambitiously identified 10 different locations for possible future lifts as the resort continues to grow and evolve.
As Castle Mountain Resort embarks on this exciting project, it's worth noting the broader impact of such upgrades in the North American skiing landscape. Once this project reaches completion, the list of the largest remaining mountains without detachable lifts will include names like Red Mountain in British Columbia, Discovery in Montana, Bridger Bowl in Montana, Lost Trail Powder Mountain straddling Idaho and Montana, and Silverton Mountain in Colorado.
Castle Mountain Resort's acquisition of the Angel Express is more than just a new lift; it's a symbol of growth, partnership, and the ever-evolving nature of the skiing industry in North America. As we eagerly await further details on this project, one thing is clear: the future looks bright and exhilarating for the skiers and snowboarders who call Castle Mountain their winter haven. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting development unfolds.
Castle Mountain trail map. Credit: Castle Mountain Resort.
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