Big Sky Resort Unveils World’s Longest 8-Person Chairlift: Madison 8

Montana's Big Sky Resort Leads Ski Innovation with World's Longest 8-Person Chairlift Big Sky Resort in Montana is making waves in the ski industry as it nears completion of the Madison 8, set to be the world's longest 8-person chairlift. This cutting-edge project is quickly taking shape, with major concrete work already finished.The Madison 8 will be Big Sky's second 8-person lift and third D-line chairlift. It's designed to boost the resort's uphill capacity from the north side. Skiers and riders will enjoy blue bubble covers for weather protection and heated seats for extra comfort. The lift's advanced Fatzer Performa-DT Haul Rope will ensure smoother, faster rides, cutting travel time by 30%. “The tower sites are in remote locations along the lift line, making them hard to access with typical equipment. This required the concrete formwork, rebar, and concrete to be flown and set in place via helicopter. To support all 25 towers, Doppelmayr placed 490 cubic yards of concrete via helicopter, and an additional 56 cubic yards with the pump truck at the less remote locations.” — Big Sky Resort

The base building of the new Madison 8 superlift. Credit: Big Sky Resort. Despite chilly weather and tricky ground conditions, work began in July. Jackson Contractor Group is handling the concrete work at both ends of the lift, while Doppelmayr is setting up the towers. The lower terminal is already seeing its steel frame go up, with work on the upper terminal set to start in October.One of the biggest challenges has been reaching the remote tower sites. To overcome this, helicopters are being used to deliver materials like concrete, formwork, and rebar. So far, Doppelmayr has placed 490 cubic yards of concrete by air and another 56 cubic yards by pump truck for easier spots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Big Sky Resort (@bigskyresort) The project's success is largely due to great teamwork. Tim Lyner from Jackson Contractor Group says, "Everyone is working well together and helping each other out as needed. The team is living by the motto, 'one team, one dream.'"Once complete, the Madison 8 will offer skiers and riders at Big Sky Resort a faster, more comfortable way to hit the slopes. This project not only enhances Big Sky's reputation as a top ski resort but also sets a new standard for lift technology in the industry. “Jackson, Doppelmayr, Big Sky Resort, and all of our subcontractors have been working really well together, helping each other out as things come up. All these guys are really working hard and living by the motto ‘one team, one dream.” — Tim Lyner, Jackson Contractor Group