Mammoth to Upgrade Broadway Express Chair

As spring cleaning season arrives, Mammoth is set to upgrade its original Chair 1, the Broadway Express.

It was formerly a t-bar from 1953-1955 but eventually upgraded to a two seater chairlift that opened on Thanksgiving in 1955.

The construction team was led by Mammoth founder, Dave McCoy, who oversaw a small group of ragtag skiers who dug the holes, poured the concrete, and erected the lift themselves. It was a major feat of human capabilities in the ski world that garnered some well deserved recognition.

After 30 years, technology had improved, Chair 1 was becoming outdated, and the resort needed to accommodate for the influx of skiers on the mountain.

In 1988 Chair 1 was upgraded to a high speed four pack that could accommodate more than double the capacity than the original two seater and reduced the ride time.

It was upgraded again in 1996.

“Further enhancements came in 1996 when Doppelmayr, a renowned ski lift manufacturer, retrofitted Chair 1. The upgraded terminals, grips, and hangers ensured a smoother and more reliable operation, solidifying Chair 1 as a cornerstone of Mammoth Mountain's skiing experience,” from Mammoth’s website .

The upgrade coming this summer will be executed again by Doppelmayr. They plan to make it a high-speed detachable six pack that can carry 3,200 people up the mountain per hour with a ride time reduced to approximately three minutes and 40 seconds.

The chair is now closed for the season as the renovations are taking way. The resort is also teasing at selling the old chairs. Their website says to inquire with Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation for chair purchasing.