Burke HSQ Update (modified 7/29/11)

Progress on the new lift has begun to pick up speed the last couple of weeks. What appears to be anchors for the lift tower and terminal footings have been dropped off in the Mid-Burke parking lot.

The lift line has been cleared of the majority of debris.

From the top toll road crossing:

And the old race timing building has been partially demolished:

The summit area is cleared and ready for escavation as well:

Most recently escavation work has started along the lower edge of what used to be part of the Mid-Burke parking lot. There is a large hole being dug here. However, it is difficult to tell what it is going to be for. It seems rather large for a lift tower footing. If this is the hole for the base terminal, it would mean the lift line has been shortened by about 500' (resulting is a loss of 70' of vertical) from the plans in the Act 250 permit application (theory was confirmed 7/28/11). It would actually closer to the location outlined in original master plans that were put out several years ago. This may actually be a good thing as that extra 500' down into the meadow would be rather boring to ski everytime to get back to the lift. Especially coming from the Willoughby side of the mountain.

Google Earth rendering from the Act 250 plan:

Google Earth rendering of the actual base terminal installation location. The olive colored area is where re-grading has taken place:

Digging a big hole: