In the coming weeks, CBMR’s mountain operations and lift maintenance teams will launch an extensive refurbishment project designed to enhance the Queen’s efficiency and reliability. The project is slated to begin immediately after closing weekend with the goal of having the lift up and running again by mid-June – just in time for summer operations!
“Reconditioning the Silver Queen motor is a big job for our mountain ops teams. As soon as the mountain closes, the project kicks off,” said Steve Duke, Director of Mountain Operations at CBMR. “The Mountain Ops teams are focused on ensuring Silver Queen is ready to transport guests to our iconic peak hike this summer!”
It may seem early to start gearing up for summer operations while there’s still snow on the ground at the resort, but a project of this scale will require several months to complete. The Silver Queen motor is a highly specialized component that demands expert refurbishment, but CBMR’s teams are confident that once the work is complete, the lift will be ready to provide scenic summer rides for guests once again.
The Process: A Precision Operation
On April 7, just one day after the 2024/25 ski season wraps up, CBMR’s mountain operations team will begin the process of clearing snow-covered service roads from the base area to the top of the lift. Once the roads are accessible, a crane will carefully navigate the winding switchbacks to the top terminal, where it will extract the lift’s primary motor.
Weighing nearly 15,000 pounds, the motor will be transported down the mountain and begin its journey to Denver, where a team of industry specialists will perform a complete refurbishment to enhance its long-term reliability. After the process is complete, the improved motor will return to CBMR for reinstallation and testing, ensuring that Silver Queen is ready to welcome guests back for another season.
Investing in CBMR's Future
The reconditioning of Silver Queen’s motor is one of several recent or ongoing large-scale investments into the resort. Other investments include the purchase of new snowcats to improve the quality of grooming and a revamp of the snow making system to ensure the mountain can open with a more stable base. These investments reaffirm the company’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and the overall guest experience. The Silver Queen upgrade is another step in ensuring that the resort operates at its best year-round, providing guests with unbeatable access to world-class terrain and unforgettable mountain adventures in the heart of the Elk Mountains.