Broadway Express Replacement

During Mammoth Mountain's third winter season,1955-56, Mammoth made history with the introduction of its very first chairlift, Chair 1. This milestone marked a significant leap forward in developing the resort and its skiing amenities. Constructed with sheer determination, mechanical ingenuity, and long hours of hard work by a dedicated team led by Dave McCoy, Chair 1 became a symbol of Mammoth Mountain's commitment to providing an exceptional skiing experience.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1955, Mammoth Lakes was alive with excitement as Chair 1 opened its doors to skiers for the first time. This inaugural chairlift, a double-seater with a capacity for 900 riders, quickly became a focal point of the mountain's attractions. The enthusiasm was palpable as approximately 2,000 eager skiers flocked to the area, parking their automobiles for miles down Minaret Road.

As the years passed, Mammoth Mountain continued to invest in Chair 1's infrastructure. In 1988, it underwent a transformation, being rebuilt as a high-speed quad with a capacity of 2400 riders and a reduced ride time of just 3.8 minutes. This upgrade significantly improved the lift's efficiency and capacity, catering to the growing number of visitors flocking to the mountain.

Further enhancements came in 1996 when Doppelmayr, a renowned ski lift manufacturer, retrofitted Chair 1. The upgraded terminals, grips, and hangers ensured a smoother and more reliable operation, solidifying Chair 1 as a cornerstone of Mammoth Mountain's skiing experience.