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BEAVER MOUNTAIN, Cache County -- A Utah ski resort is still closed, but is waiting to open to the public to show off a new chairlift.
The chairlift is the first major piece of equipment for Beaver Mountain Resort in decades, and the owners of the resort are excited to see the public's reception. But putting the finishing touches on the chairlift in the snow is no easy feat.
Anyone who works with metal can describe how tough of a job it is to work with metal when it is freezing outside. But the freezing temperatures have not halted the construction of the new chairlift.
Ted Seeholzer, owner of Beaver Mountain, said it would have to get a lot colder to keep workers away from the new project.
"We're tickled right to death with this lift," Seeholzer said.
The brand new chairlift, which has a capacity of 1,500 passengers will bring skiers up to a beginners slope to teach new skiers how to ski or allow more experienced skiers a nice, easy ride down.
I can remember back in 1977, we opened the 23rd of February and closed the 15th of March. That's a little tough.
–Ted Seeholzer
"It's crucial to Beaver because to open without that, that's the substance to Beaver Mountain, is getting those beginners out there," said Marge Seeholzer.
All together, the new chairlift will cost the Seeholzer family approximately $800,000. But with as many ski hills as there are in Utah, the Seeholzer family said they have to compete.
"We feel like we need to keep up somewhat," Marge Seeholzer said. "And we have a huge customer base locally that we like to try and accommodate them."
Beaver Mountain relies on Mother Nature 100 percent, which means the resort is typically one of the last resorts to open in the state.
"I can remember back in 1977, we opened the 23rd of February and closed the 15th of March," Ted Seeholzer said. "That's a little tough."
Last year was one of the resorts better snow years, allowing them enough financial room to build the new chairlift. But this year, if the snow doesn't fall, it will make it hard for the resort to pay for the chairlift.
"We've got the ambition and the ability and the people," Ted Seeholzer said, "We just need some snow."
Email: acabrero@ksl.com
