The rope has finally dropped, fam! After a long wait and a massive three-year modernization project, Alpental has officially kicked off the 2025-26 season with the grand opening of the new Edelweiss Triple Chair (aka Chair 2).
And in true PNW fashion, Mother Nature decided to crash the party in the best way possible—by absolutely dumping on Snoqualmie Pass.
The New Beast on the Block
If you've been skiing Alpental for a while, you know the old Chair 2. It was a 1967 Riblet double that had been spinning for 58 years. It was iconic, sure, but it was also slow, had that sketchy center pole, and the loading ramp could eat you alive if you weren't paying attention.
The new lift? It's a game changer. We're talking a shiny new Doppelmayr fixed-grip triple. Here are the stats that matter:
- Uphill Capacity: Boosted by 40%. That means less standing in line and more time getting face shots.
- Ride Time: Cut by 30%. It now takes about 6 minutes to get to the top.
- The Vibe: It keeps the same alignment and even preserved the iconic top terminal structure of the old chair, so the soul of Alpental is still intact.
A Gnarly Build Process
Building this thing wasn't a walk in the park. There's no road access up there, folks. The crew had to tear out the old lift and install the new one in a single summer, relying heavily on helicopters and hiking to get the job done. Mad respect to the lifties and construction crews who made this happen.
Storm Cycle Opening
The timing couldn't have been more sick. The lift officially spun on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, right as an intense storm slammed into Washington. We're talking a foot of fresh at the base on opening morning with another two feet in the forecast.
It was so deep that the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a bit fluid—ski patrol had to bomb the mountain for avalanche control before anyone could send it. But hey, safety first. When the Back Bowls are loaded with that much snow, you wait for the green light.
Gear Check: Storm Riding Essentials
With this much new snow and the storm continuing to hammer the PNW, you need to have your kit dialed. Don't be that guy freezing on the new chair or sinking in the deep stuff.
- Floatation is Key: You need width underfoot for these conditions. I recommend the Atomic Bent 110 Skis for that perfect mix of float and playfulness.
- See The Line: It's dumping, which means flat light. Get yourself some high-contrast lenses like the Smith I/O Mag Goggles.
- Stay Warm: The new lift is faster, but it's still a chairlift in a storm. Keep the digits toasty with Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gloves.
Respecting the Roots
Alpental didn't just trash the history. They auctioned off the old Riblet chairs and components, raising over $194,000 for local nonprofits. That is seriously cool. It’s awesome to see the community rally around the history of the mountain while looking forward to the future.
So, grab your fat skis and get up there. The Edelweiss chair is spinning, the snow is deep, and the steeps are waiting. I'll see you in the lift line!
Source: Powder.com
