Mt. Hood Meadows Retires 55-Year-Old Blue Chairlift

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 existing double chair provides quite a unique ride. Credit: Mt Hood Meadows

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.

The current Mt Hood Meadows trail map. Credit: Mt Hood Meadows

The decision to retire the Blue Chair comes as it reaches the end of its operational lifespan. Recent upgrades, including the new Mt. Hood Express six-seater chairlift installed in 2023, have made the Blue Chair redundant for wind-resistant operations.

Mt. Hood Meadows, located on the south-eastern flank of Mount Hood, Oregon, has been a popular ski destination since its opening in 1968. The resort offers a variety of terrain across its 2,150 acres, with 11 lifts serving 85 named runs. The retirement of the Blue Chair marks the end of an era for the resort, but also signifies its ongoing commitment to modernising its facilities for improved guest experiences.