Bear Valley, CA…Skyline Bear Valley Resorts has entered into an agreement with Leitner-Poma to construct and install a new high-speed six-pack chairlift to be completed this year in time for the start of the 17/18 ski season in late November. The new lift will transport six passengers at a time from the mid-mountain ski lodge to the top of the mountain, at 8500’ elevation, nearly three times faster than the current lift. This exciting lift replacement project is pending process approval by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service (Stanislaus Forest), and will replace the Bear chairlift increasing guest uphill capacity of the mountain’s main artery.

Bear Valley’s new state of the art detachable chairlift provides an improved reduced speed “easy load and unload” experience at the bottom and top terminals, features comfort bars and foot rests and will carry guests to the mountain’s peak in just over three minutes. The lift will be supported by 11 towers with fifty eight carriers and service intermediate and advanced terrain, along with providing access to Bear West (aka Backside), the Village Side and all areas in the Upper and Lower Mountain bowls.

“This lift investment is a game changer for Bear Valley that will greatly enhance our guests’ experience during the winter operations, and with the new high speed lift being 100% downloadable it aligns well with our heightened focus on summer recreation and activities on the mountain,” said Andrea Young, general manager at Bear Valley. “This is a continuation of the many improvements that Skyline Investments is making at Bear Valley on the heels of two strong winters which will elevate the guest experience and further establish the area as a year-round Sierra family destination.”

This project will bring Skyline’s investment in Bear Valley to $6 million in improvements to Bear Valley in just two years including new ski and snowboard rental fleet, new snow cats for grooming, enhancements to the snowmaking system and equipment, IT and WIFI upgrades, new ski trails, remodeling of the ski guest areas, Creekside restaurant, BV Lodge lobby, lounge and guest rooms among other things.

About Bear Valley Mountain & Bear Valley Village
Bear Valley is the premier family mountain sports, recreation and lodging destination in the Central Sierra. Located between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe on National Scenic Byway Highway 4, and surrounded by two of California’s largest federally designated wilderness areas, outdoor activities in Bear Valley are abundant. Bear Valley is known for its warm, welcoming staff, affordable ticket prices, terrain variety, and a commitment to providing the ultimate mountain experience. The mountain offers 1,680 acres of varied terrain, 8 chairs (2 high-speed) and 2 surface lifts, more than 70 trails (and access to “side country” adventure terrain), two terrain parks with more than 18 features, and 1,900 vertical feet. Bear Valley averages over 30 feet of annual snowfall per year. Bear Valley Village is home to a variety of services, shops, restaurants and a wide range of accommodations. Winters provide skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, youth sports camps, a kids adventure park, camping and a variety of cultural events make for a perfect summer of activities. More information is available at www.bearvalley.com.