TL;DR
Vail Resorts has unveiled an ambitious 2024 capital plan, featuring upgrades across its premier destinations. The standout project is the replacement of the Broadway quad at Hunter Mountain with a cutting-edge six-seat detachable lift, promising improved terrain access and an enhanced learning experience. Whistler Blackcomb will see the introduction of the Jersey Cream Six lift, while Park City's Canyons Village will welcome the Sunrise Gondola in 2025. Despite a dip in net income, season pass sales have soared. Vail Resorts remains dedicated to providing exceptional skiing experiences and investing in the future of its iconic resorts.
Vail Resorts, a name synonymous with top-tier ski destinations, has unveiled its eagerly awaited 2024 capital plan. This exciting initiative promises to transform the skiing experience for visitors across its premier locations. Let's dive into the details of what's in store for the upcoming winter season and beyond.Hunter Mountain's Grand TransformationThe pièce de résistance of Vail Resorts' 2024 capital plan centres around Hunter Mountain. Here, the resort giant plans to replace the aging Broadway quad with a state-of-the-art six-seat detachable lift. This upgrade will not only significantly enhance uphill capacity but also provide improved access to vital terrain, offering guests a more immersive and progressive learning experience.But that's not all. The existing Broadway lift equipment won't go to waste. Vail Resorts intends to relocate it to replace Lift E, a Hall double dating all the way back to 1968. This strategic move demonstrates Vail's commitment to enhancing the overall skiing experience while respecting the heritage of its resorts.
The location of the existing Broadway quad which will be replaced by the new 6-seater. Whistler Blackcomb's Innovation StreakAt Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Resorts is on a roll, embarking on its fourth detachable lift project in just three years. The upcoming addition, named the Jersey Cream Six, will incorporate parts initially designated for the Eagle Express at Park City before local approval was withdrawn. While plans to replace the Jersey Cream quad and embark on the Fitzsimmons 8 project in 2023 faced labor shortages, only one project could be completed that fall.Doppelmayr Canada, however, made significant progress by completing 11 out of 15 tower bases for the new Jersey Cream lift during the summer. Skiers and snowboarders can look forward to riding this impressive lift when it opens for the 2024-25 ski season.Sunrise Gondola: A Glimpse into the FutureVail Resorts isn't just focusing on the immediate future but also setting its sights on 2025. The company has exciting plans to introduce the Sunrise Gondola at Park City's Canyons Village. This 10-passenger gondola will connect near the new Pendry hotel to Red Pine Lodge, ensuring convenient access to breathtaking slopes and vistas.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
