Mad River Glen’s new single-person chairlift whisked skiers up the mountain for the first time yesterday with a cheer the crowd that had lined up for the first runs of the season.
The lift looked much like its beloved predecessor, but is quieter, after undergoing a $1.5 million renovation. The diesel engine that powered the 59-year-old lift was replaced with an electric motor. New chairs were added and the towers sandblasted, painted and reinstalled with new bases.
But skiers had more to cheer about, after a snowstorm dumped two feet of powder Monday and Tuesday.
Many said it was the best opening day at Mad River that they could recall.