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Winds Delay Final Tests on Sugarloaf Lift

February 21, 2011 - Carrabassett Valley—Due to high, gusty winds at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort today, some testing that was expected to be conducted on the chairlift that derailed on Dec. 28 was put on hold.

"Some of the electrical testing, which basically is plugging a computer in and testing the system," was completed, said Ethan Austin, Sugarloaf's spokesman. "Some (testing) involves operating the lift, which we couldn't do today because of the wind."

Tests completed Friday by resort mechanics, along with the state's chief inspector and an insurance representative, revealed no mechanical concerns, Sugarloaf said in a statement Friday evening.

If winds calm down, Austin said Sugarloaf mechanics hope to continue tests on the lift Sunday. He said the reopening of Spillway East is contingent upon weather, the completion of these tests and the state Tramway Board reinstating the chairlift.

The National Weather Service forecasted winds between 15 and 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph today for the Sugarloaf area. Sunday's forecast is similar, but winds are expected to drop off in the afternoon.

Emma Bouthillette, Portland Press Herald, February 2011


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