Black Hawk Helicopter Installs New Lift Towers at Red River Ski Area, New Mexico

Red River Ski Area, a charming ski area in New Mexico (located in a town by the same name) announced the replacement of its Copper Chair lift earlier this season- on March 16th, to be exact.

Due to maintenance issues that ultimately proved to be too difficult to complete in one season, the "decision was made to close the lift for the season."

The Copper Chair was an iconic installation of the ski area. Installed in 1993 , the lift offered access to a major terrain expansion , and also connected Red River (the town) from both sides with Red River (the ski area). Needless to say, it was an important chair.

The wheels of the original Copper Chair spun for 30 seasons, but as the saying goes, nothing gold can stay. Or, in this case, nothing copper. However, the new chair will also be named Copper Chair, so some of the nostalgia remains.

This spring, the ski area began a 6 million dollar investment by constructing a new fixed-grip triple chair from Doppelmayr. Work will continue through the summer, and the new chair will ready for the 24/25 winter ski season.

Officials from Red River Ski Area told POWDER in a press release that on Monday, July 8th, the installation of the new chairlift towers was completed thanks to precision flying from Timberline Helicopters and their UH-60A+ Black Hawk and the hard work of the Doppelmayr USA crew.

New Copper Chair Towers- Red River Ski Area, NM

"Safety and efficiency were unmatched as crews worked on the ground and atop towers, bolting down incoming chairlift components from the helicopter. Shipments of more chairlift parts will continue to arrive as Doppelmayr USA progresses on this exciting construction project of the new Copper Chair."

Officials at the ski area have promised to post updates as construction continues. While it is always disheartening to see cherished, original lifts fall to the wayside, innovation makes our lives easier. This lift will be no exception.

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