If you’ve spent any time in the Pacific Northwest, you know The Summit at Snoqualmie is a mixed bag—but Alpental is where the serious riders go to scare themselves. It’s dark, it’s steep, and it holds some of the most technical in-bounds terrain in North America. For decades, the gateway to that gnarly upper mountain was the Edelweiss chair, known simply as Chair 2.
Recently, The Summit at Snoqualmie dropped a documentary diving into the history of this mechanical legend, and it’s a solid reminder of why we respect the machinery that hauls us up the hill.
The Riblet Legacy
Installed in 1967, the original Chair 2 was a Riblet. If you know, you know. The center pole clips, the distinct rattle, the feeling that you were riding a piece of history that might just bite you if you didn't pay attention. For over 50 years, this lift was the artery of Alpental.
But here’s the thing most jerrys don't realize: Chair 2 wasn't just about getting you to the top of International. It was, and remains, the lifeline for the ski patrol. Alpental’s terrain is essentially a series of avalanche paths waiting to slide. Without the Edelweiss lift, patrol can’t get to the bomb trams or the ridge lines to conduct mitigation. No lift means no control work. No control work means the mountain doesn't open. It’s that simple.
The Upgrade: Faster Laps, Same Soul
Alpental has finally retired the old Riblet. In its place stands a new fixed-grip triple from Doppelmayr. Due to the insane terrain and the massive snowpack we get in the Cascades (cement or powder, depending on the freezing level), this project took two offseasons to complete.
Here are the stats on the new rig:
- Capacity: 1,395 people per hour
- Speed: 500 feet per minute
- Vertical Rise: 1,100 feet
- Length: 2,604 feet
This is a massive upgrade in reliability. The old chair was iconic, but it was a bottleneck. The new triple means shorter lines and more vertical per day. And in a nod to history that I actually respect, they repurposed the old top terminal shack. It keeps the aesthetic gritty, just how we like it.
Gear Check: Surviving Cascade Concrete
Alpental isn't Colorado. It's wet, heavy, and aggressive. If you're heading up to check out the new Chair 2, your gear needs to be dialed. You need a shell that can handle torrential snow without wetting out.
My picks for the PNW:
- Jacket: Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket – Bombproof. Essential for days when the weather tries to kill you.
- Bibs: Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs – Keep the snow out of your pants when you're deep in the trees off Edelweiss.
The Bottom Line
Change is hard for locals who grew up dodging the center pole, but this upgrade secures Alpental’s future. It ensures patrol can keep the mountain safe and gets us to the goods faster. If you're planning a trip to experience the steeps, you can find accommodation near the pass to catch first chair.
See you in the lift line. Don't cross my tips.
Source: Unofficial Networks
