TL;DR
Mt. Hood Meadows is bidding farewell to its iconic Blue Chair after 55 years of service. The resort is hosting a special event for skiers and riders to take their final rides before the chairlift's decommissioning this summer.
Mt. Hood Meadows Farewells Historic Blue Chairlift
Mt. Hood Meadows is preparing to retire its 55-year-old Blue Chairlift, a fixture at the resort since its opening season in 1968. The resort has announced 'The Last Blue-Rah' event, giving skiers and riders a final opportunity to experience this piece of ski history before its decommissioning this summer.
The Blue Chair, originally known as Chair #1, was installed in 1967 and began operations the following year. Manufactured by Riblet, it served as a critical lift in the resort's early years, providing access to a significant portion of the mountain. Over time, newer and faster lifts reduced its importance, but it remained a backup option for windy days.
The farewell event is scheduled for Saturday, 19 April, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Mt. Hood Meadows encourages participants to wear vintage clothing from the 1960s for a nostalgic atmosphere. Following the event, the resort plans to sell 142 chairs through a lottery system, with sales beginning on 1 May at $900 per chair, limited to one per family.
