3 days ago
Large helicopter to hover over Wachusett Mountain all day. Here's why
PRINCETON — With snow an afterthought, and with the aid of a helicopter, crews this week began installing a $20 million chairlift to the face of Wachusett Mountain.
The existing four-passenger Polar Express will be replaced with a high-speed, six-passenger lift.
The upgrade, which includes the mechanical system and towers, does not include a name change. Polar Express is a nod to the ski area's partner, Polar Beverages of Worcester. The four-passenger lift was installed in 1994.
Wednesday, May 28, crews began moving construction supplies and chairlift components onto the mountain. A Canada-based helicopter was enlisted to transport large, heavy items from the ski area's parking lot to the slope. Workers on the ground connected the cargo to a cable that was attached to the helicopter.
The effort includes the removal of existing equipment.
The installation of the new lift is expected to be complete in time for the 2025-26 ski season.
The lift was manufactured by an Austrian company, Doppelmayr. It will have the latest safety technology including auto-closing, self-locking restraining bars.
More: High-speed, 6-passenger chairlift is headed to Wachusett Mountain
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Large helicopter to hover over Wachusett Mountain all day. Here's why
