Arapahoe Basin is big on recycling. But this takes it to a whole new level.
The old Lenawee Chair three-seater is about to have new life at Sunlight Mountain near Glenwood Springs.
“We’re really proud that we are repurposing the Lenawee Lift, because that is something that could have ended up in the scrap yard,” Sunlight’s Travis Baptiste tells The Denver Post. “That lift has at least 25 years of service left on it.”
The old Lenawee is replacing Segundo Chair, the oldest chairlift in Colorado. The two-seater from Heron Engineering started spinning at Aspen in 1954 before moving to Sunlight in 1974. It has been running there ever since.
With its single-pole hanger and oil derrick-style towers, Segundo is an iconic piece of Ski Country history, and Baptiste tells the Post it deserves a proper send-off.
On Friday, March 28, Sunlight throws a retirement party for the lift: $20 gets you one last ride from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., although it will still be spinning for skiers and riders until closing day April 6.
“We really just wanted to designate a day with all eyes on Segundo,” Baptiste said. “We’re hoping people travel to come ride the lift and be on a piece of history – your last chance to ride the oldest in-service lift in Colorado. The biggest thing is for our local community. We have people living here who are on four or five generations of their family riding on this lift, so there is a serious emotional attachment. Some of those generations started off running the lift in Aspen.”
Sunlight is upgrading another two-seater this summer, Primo. Primo has been spinning since 1966. Replacing it is a brand-new four-chair from Poma.
“The replacement of Primo and Segundo signifies a new era for our resort,” a resort spokesperson said. “We are excited about the increased capacity and efficiency these new lifts will bring, while also honoring the legacy of Segundo, a beloved fixture of our mountain for over 50 years. Our goal is to offer an incredible and personalized experience, ensuring that while our infrastructure evolves, the essence of Sunlight remains unchanged.”