A Sweet Farewell to Chairlift I
A page of history was turned last Saturday, April 4. Chairlift I made its final runs. Chairlift IIw, meanwhile, will be open for the last time on Saturday, April 11. Along with Chairlift Iw, these three small double chairlifts will be dismantled this spring to make way for the new SkyTrac quad Chairlift set to open for the 2026-2027 ski season.
A look back in time
For those who are curious or feeling nostalgic, here are a few facts about the three chairlifts that will soon be replaced.
Chairlift I
The small Chairlift I was an iconic facility dating back to 1965, almost from the resort’s inception. At the time, it stood out as the longest lift, spanning 1,200 meters. However, with a vertical rise of 230 meters, it primarily serves an intermediate sector. Its location provided direct access to runs 5 through 8 (Loup de Loup, Bee-Bop, St-Bernard, and Ricochet), while also offering a route to runs 14 through 18 (Capucine, Cascade, Alouette, Traverse and Sous-bois II). This chairlift, which is popular with many, was one of the original facilities, although its chairs have been updated over the years to ensure comfort and safety.
Chairlift Iw
This double chairlift was installed in 1985 to service the westernmost area of the station, which includes slopes 1 to 4 (Alleghanys, Coucou, Starlet, and Sous-bois Starlet). It remained popular due to its proximity to several condos, providing quick access to the slopes. Relatively short at 960 metres in length, it climbs a vertical drop of 200 metres. Combined with its relatively fast speed for a fixed-grip chairlift, rides were always brief. This area continues to offer a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Chairlift IIw
This chairlift is very short, measuring just 460 metres in length and climbing a vertical drop of 80 metres. As such, it became a favourite among beginners looking to discover trails 9 to 15 (Yum-Yum, Forêt des merveilles, Connection, Passeport, Transit, Cendrillon, Capucine, and Cascade), all of which are green runs. Installed during the 1986–1987 season to replace the T-bar, it is now retiring after 40 years of dedicated service, having introduced an entire generation of skiers to the slopes of Mont SUTTON.
A final day of operation for Chairlift I
As you can see in the Flickr gallery, many enthusiasts and nostalgic fans made a point of being there to say a final goodbye to Chair 1 and take a last ride on it! Thank you to photographers Bernard Brault, Salah Chtioui and Jocelyne Trudeau for capturing the moment.
©Salah Chtioui
An undeniable connection
Please feel free to send us your comments, memories, and stories to share your love for the “little doubles of the West” with us.
| BUYING CHAIRS
And yes, as many of you have asked, a limited number of chairs will be available for purchase after the dismantling. If you’re interested, please subscribe to our newsletter. We’ll send out a special newsletter with all the details, including the price and how to buy them! |
©Photo d’entête, Salah Chtioui
1 Comment
My first time on skis in January 1977 while trying to get in the long line to chair #1 I slid down the hill into the parking lot and got stuck under a jeep. My first run and first fall. My second fall was on the T-bar (II-W) that same week. I sat down when the T-bar hit my backside, but got up in time to get half-way up the hill before wiping out. That is the year that I learned the “POMPOLAIS turn”. BEST TRIP EVER!!!! I remember when chair I-W opened for the “ARCHIMEDES” space pod condos. Changing the T-bar to a double chair made it easier for beginners. I skied MT. SUTTON every January from 1977 to 2005. I had to give up skiing when my knees went bad. WORTH IT!!!