Replacement & Upgrade Project
Shadow Basin Chairlift
NEW SHADOW BASIN CHAIRLIFT FOR 2024
Construction of the new chairlift is well underway, so get stoked on more trails and faster laps for 2024. Bigger, faster and longer, it will be twice as quick to ride as the old chair, and opens up nearly 50% more lift-accessible terrain in Shadow Basin.
Access During Construction:
Restrictions:
While the Shadow Chairlift is being replaced, no recreational access (e.g. ski touring, hiking, climbing) will be allowed within the construction zone due to multiple site hazards such as heavy machinery, helicopter lifting operations and use of explosives for rockblasting. All access restrictions will be shown through signage and fencing onsite.
The construction zone will initially extend from the corner of the base building up the edge of the learners slope, along Lower Calypso Trial and into Shadow Basin to the existing top station.
Access to Lake Alta, Lake Alta Cirque, Queens Drive or Telecom towers will be maintained via the Lake Alta uphill access route.
Car Parking:
Over summer, access to Carpark 1 will be restricted due to multiple site hazards. Public parking will be available primarily in the Drop Zone, with overflow in Carpark 2.
Facilities:
There will be no access inside the Remarkables Base Building during the summer period. A portaloo is available in the Drop Zone at the bottom of the external access stairs.
Please stay away from all construction works and machinery for your own safety.
Nearly 50% More Terrain
The new higher chairlift alignment increases lift-accessible terrain in Shadow Basin by 47 hectares, which is nearly 50% more than the existing chairlift. Some of The Remarkables best advanced and expert freeride runs will now be accessible directly from the lift, without the need to hike, including Alta Chute, Boulder Basin, East-Face, The Nose, Front Face and Sunrise Face, while Elevator and Escalator chutes will be just a short bootpack away. The groomed, intermediate-level Calypso Trail will also be extended by 363m, providing even more fun and flowy on-piste terrain.
Trail Map (Shows Existing Chairlift)
Twice as Fast
Travel time on the new Shadow Basin Chairlift will reduce by more than half, from over 8 minutes to less than 4 minutes. With detachable chairs and padded seats, it will also be easier and much more comfortable to ride. Six people will be able to sit on each chair, compared to the existing 4-seater, increasing lift capacity from 1,500 riders to 2,400 riders per hour.
The Old Shadow Chair
A Final Farewell
This season marked the last spin of the bullwheel for the 38-year-old Shadow Basin Chairlift before it was closed to make room for its replacement. Join us in farewelling the Old Shadow Chair with our video trip down memory lane #shadowwarriors 🏂
FAQs
How fast is the new chairlift?
Travel time on the new Shadow Basin Chairlift will be 3 minutes 53 seconds – less than half the time of the existing chair, which takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds.
What new terrain will be accessible?
The new higher chairlift alignment increases lift-accessible terrain in Shadow Basin by 47 hectares, including advanced and expert runs that skiers and riders currently hike to, as well as a new 183m Cushion Trail towards the Alta Chute, and 363m added to the intermediate-level Calypso Trail. This is a 47% increase in lift-accessible terrain in Shadow Basin compared to the existing chairlift.
What ability is the new chair suited to?
The new chairlift is suitable for intermediate, advanced and expert level skiers and riders. Having detachable chairs, the lift will be easier to load and unload, however, there are no beginner trails off the Shadow Basin Chairlift.
How many people can the new chairlift carry?
The new chairlift is a 6-seater and replaces the existing 4-seater. Lift capacity will increase by 60%, from 1,500 to 2,400 people per hour.
How high will the new chairlift rise?
The chairlift will rise 374m to an elevation of 1,991m, 50m above the existing termination point and veering south.
What are the chairlift facilities?
The bottom station of the chairlift will be rebuilt on a similar site, including a covered chair parking building for storage during poor weather conditions and overnight. This will help ensure the chairlift starts operating on time in the mornings, and will reduce wear.
Will there be more snowmaking?
Snowmaking facilities will be installed in Shadow Basin for the first time, including 18 new snow guns. This will enable us to open Shadow Basin earlier in the season and keep it open for longer.
How is the project protecting conservation values?
Working alongside ecologists, we optimised our replacement concept to minimise impact on the indigenous biodiversity and avoid all Regionally Significant Wetland areas. We will work to revegetate earthworked areas as the project moves uphill. To learn more about The Remarkables conservation efforts, visit our Sustainable Slopes page and watch our conservation video.
How much is being invested?
The project investment is over $23 million. This includes the new chairlift and chair parking building, earthworks for new trails, new snowmaking and power, and supporting environmental studies, monitoring and revegetation works.
What is the project timeline?
October 2023: Remove existing chairs, haul rope, drive station and bottom towers.
November 2023: Bulk excavation for bottom station rebuild. Work begins on realigning access road to new top station.
November 2023 onwards: Revegetation of earthworked areas will continue progressively as we move uphill.
January 2024: Removal of existing top station. Completion of tower and station foundations.
February 2024: Chairlift bottom station assembled.
March 2024: Work begins on installing new chairlift towers. Top station assembled.
April 2024: Work begins on installing chairlift cable and chairs. Chair parking building assembled.
May 2024: New snowguns installed.
June 2024: Chairlift testing and certification complete.
Will access be restricted during construction?
Yes – while the Shadow Chairlift is being replaced, no recreational access (e.g. ski touring, hiking, climbing) will be allowed within the construction zone due to multiple site hazards such as heavy machinery, helicopter lifting operations and use of explosives for rockblasting. All access restrictions will be shown through signage and fencing onsite.
The construction zone will initially extend from the corner of the base building up the edge of the learners slope, along Lower Calypso Trial and into Shadow Basin to the existing top station.
Access to Lake Alta, Lake Alta Cirque, Queens Drive or Telecom towers will be maintained via the Lake Alta uphill access route.
Car Parking:
Over summer, access to Carpark 1 will be restricted due to multiple site hazards. Public parking will be available primarily in the Drop Zone, with overflow in Carpark 2.
Facilities:
There will be no access inside the Remarkables Base Building during summer period. A portaloo is available in the Drop Zone at the bottom of the external access stairs.
Please stay away from all construction works and machinery for your own safety.
What about access above the new lift?
Terrain above or higher than Elevator Chute will remain outside the ski area boundary. Access to this backcountry zone is at your own risk. Refer to Mountain Safety Council for guidance.