BBQ and Concert - August 28

I think one of the best things we do is throw parties. So............... we are going to throw a party. Saturday, August 28 is the day. Back by popular demand, Funkiphino will be rocking from Noon until 3. Chef Rybak will start serving BBQ at 11. Bring your bike or walking shoes and check out the new trail. You will also get a chance to preview the Black Mountain Express. For more details and to get an online discount on food, check out arapahoebasin.com

Hiking Biking Trail

Some of you may have heard we are building a hiking / biking trail from the Base Area to Black Mountain Lodge. This summer we will finish the trail between the bottom and the top of the North Fork ski trail. Next summer we hope to finish the trail to Black Mountain Lodge. The trail is being designed and built for people to walk down from BML events and weddings as well as for general use for hikers and bikers going up and down hill.

The trail was designed by Joey Klein of IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) last summer. This summer Joey began construction in late June and spent a great deal of time training our guys how to build trails. Unfortunately, IMBA took Joey to the Northern California coast for trail building on the Lost Coast. With his mentoring, our gang has kept the project rolling. This summer's work is almost complete. The trail is simply incredible and came out better than I could have ever imagined. By about mid to late August you can start hiking or riding in the base area and connect to the summer road just above the top of North Fork trail. It is very cool. I can't wait until we get to BML. Enjoy the photos.

Flying Concrete

The helicopter was back this week flying concrete for tower foundations. The bird is definitely a green, bizarre looking machine. Designed for heavy lifting, the K Maxx helicopter has an unofficial name of "The Incredible Hulk". 9 of 11 tower foundations are now complete. The gang is working on the bottom terminal foundation as I look out my window. We are still expecting to have towers standing by mid-August.

Lift Update

More and more of the lift parts and pieces are showing up. The tower heads, haul rope, bolt cages, and grips have all arrived. The concrete work is done for the top terminal, towers 10 and 11, and the bottom lift shack.

Progress with Black Mountain Express

We have had a beautiful summer so far. A few afternoon showers have really caused the flowers and other summer greenery to explode. Wednesday I saw 40 mountain goats living the good life on Little Lenawee Peak.

Lift construction is going well. The foundation for the top terminal is poured. 8 of 11 tower holes are dug. Rough grading for the bottom terminal is complete. The Leitner Poma crew is really marching forward. I expect by month end to be done with all the grading and concrete work. The next pieces, towers, terminals, haul rope, and chairs will go up quickly.

We were able re-use or recycle 99+ % of Exhibition Lift. One of the coolest applications will be the donation of 3 lift towers and other components for use in the Colorado Mountain College outdoor amphitheatre and classroom.

Closing and Exhibition Removal

Thanks everybody for a great closing day. I am not sure I recall ever seeing so many people have so much fun playing in the snow and water. Lake Reveal was in perfect form for pond skimming. The beautiful, scorching, hot afternoon seemed to bring out the best spirits in everyone.

The construction of the Black Mountain Express has begun in earnest with the de-construction of the Exhibition Triple. All the chairs were picked up over the weekend. All the old towers were removed via helicopter today between snowstorms. The Leitner-Poma gang has completely removed the bottom terminal. They will spend the next week taking the motor room and top terminal apart. Construction of the new lift should start next week. New parts and pieces are showing up every day. Stay tuned to my blog and our website for updates. Enjoy the photos, especially the top one.

Snow and Funkiphino

Turns out spring is alright. We have had a lot of snow the last 2-3 weeks and the skiing and riding is in great shape for May. This morning I hiked North Pole and Willie's. One of my favorite things to do at The Basin is sit at the top of Willie's, take in the view, then drop in the "Snorkel Door." Beautiful. Snow is in the forecast all week so let's keep our fingers crossed.

Saturday the 15th is another May Concert Series. Funkiphino will be playing. I have seen them a couple of times. Great music from a 12 piece band with an awesome horn section hope to see you there. Don't forget May 30th is the 9th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs showcasing Summit County Breweries. The Eighties Band will be rocking out and it is simply fun and happening scene.

More Snow

Still snowing here. It looks like there has been a 56" of snow so far in April with another snowy day to go. Half of that has been in the last week. Today the Patrol opened Willie's Wide and North Pole with epic conditions. I think the photo says it all.