Long-Awaited Black Line Quad Opens at Magic Mountain
The lift had been under construction since 2019.
Friday, February 23, 2024, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Black Line Quad, February 22, 2024
After nearly half a decade of construction, Magic Mountain's Black Line Quad opened yesterday. The lift serves virtually all of Magic's terrain, increasing uphill capacity and providing redundancy for the aging Red Chair.
The Poma fixed grip quad was originally installed in Stratton's Snow Bowl in 1986. Magic acquired the lift when Stratton removed it in 2018 to make way for a high speed quad in the Snow Bowl. Magic originally indicated that the lift would open in 2018 at an estimated price tag of $1 million, however construction was postponed due to permitting delays. Construction of the Green Chair was completed that year, however, after 15 years and multiple ownership groups.
The former Black Chair, a modified triple chairlift with components dating to Magic's original 1962 Blue Chair, was removed in 2019.
A 2019-20 Black Line Chair debut was missed due to construction issues and COVID-19 shut downs. Workers began to hang chairs in early December 2020, however the haul rope stretched more than expected. As a result, another splice took place in early January 2021, however the discovery of sheave assembly issues was announced in February 2021.
The lift was slated for opening in 2021-22 and 2022-23, however engineering, haul rope, and contractor availability issues resulted in further postponements. The lift was finally load tested earlier this month, paving the way to opening.
According to Magic, the lift carries skiers to the top of the mountain in 11 minutes.
A statement posted on Magic's web site reads: "So many obstacles were dealt with in installing this lift--a book will someday be written--but we never waivered [sic] in completing it despite the setbacks. Now, it is all about the present and future--no looking back. And, it sure looks bright for Magic Mountain and its faithful skiers and riders."
