Lifts at the Alyeska Ski Resort began turning Tuesday, which means the mountain is officially open for the season. But before it opens to the public Wednesday, season pass holders took advantage of the short lines at the slopes.
Skiers and snowboarders can look forward to a new addition to the resort but season pass holders will have to wait with the public one more day.
“We do expect to have the brand new Ted's Express high-speed quad running,” said Brian Burnett, the resort's mountain services manager.
The Ted's Express chairlift, installed over the summer, will deliver ride times of about five to seven minutes long -- about 40 percent faster than the previous chairlift it replaced.
“Well, in addition to the new lifts, we also spent about a million and a half dollars on several areas on the lower mountains, to just improve traffic flow and improve the experience on the lift and on the hill,” Burnett said.
Over 500 people are expected to show up Wednesday. Lifts will start turning at 10:30 a.m. and stop at 5:30 p.m. The slopes are open through Memorial Day weekend.
Contact Caslon Hatch
