Project Update: Work on the Orient Continues as Winter Looms Large

Posted November 8, 2018

Scattered snowfalls at the start of October had our construction crews prematurely reaching for extra layers, but a final burst of milder weather over the remainder of the month provided perfect conditions for the completion of several key phases in the Orient chairlift project.

Bottom Terminal of the Orient Under Construction
October 18: The bottom terminal starts to take shape.
Construction Work on the Bottom Terminal of the Orient
October 19: Work on the bottom terminal continues.
Construction on the Bottom Terminal of the Orient
October 19: Getting ready to install the bull wheel.

Both the top and bottom terminals are now almost finished, with installation of the lift towers by helicopter the next major step in construction. Parts of the towers have been arriving in resort over the last few days and are being put together in preparation for this exciting day. We know everyone is keen to see the tower installation, so rest assured we’ll be sharing plenty of photos and video once the bird is in the air.

Construction on the Bottom Terminal of the Orient
October 22: With the bull wheel installed, work continues on the rest of the terminal.
Top Terminal of the Orient
October 24: The view from the top.
Top Terminal of the Orient
October 24: Waiting for the towers.
Bottom Terminal of the Orient Chairlift
October 24: Installing windows on the bottom terminal.

In related news, we’re happy to share that we’ll be opening two new runs this season that will be served by the Orient chairlift: Main Village Connector and Hasta La Vista. Main Village Connector, a beginner friendly green route from the top of Orient back to the village via Rambler, will make it easier for guests of all levels to ski and snowboard between Mt. Morrisey, the East Village, Orient Ridge, and Sundance.

Hasta La Vista, named to carry on the international flavour in this zone of terrain, follows the lift line of the new chair. Tell your friends “catch ya later!” before showing off your best turns down this fun new blue run. The addition of these new runs brings our alpine trail count up to 137. You can check them out on the new 2018/19 trail map.

View of Hasta La Vista and the Top Terminal of the Orient
October 29: View of the top terminal and part of Hasta La Vista.

Temperatures have been dropping and flurries regularly blanketing the resort in white during the past week while the lift construction team continues their work. The project remains on schedule and we’re planning to open the Orient just before Christmas.

Lift Tower Parts in the Snow
November 5: Parts of the lift towers are beginning to arrive in resort.
Lift Tower Parts in the Snow
November 5: The towers will be flown into position in the coming weeks.
Bottom Terminal of the Orient in the Snow
November 5: The bottom terminal sitting pretty under a layer of pre-season snow.

With less than two weeks until opening day anticipation is high for another fantastic ski and snowboard season. We look forward to welcoming our locals, season pass holders, and international guests back to the mountains.

See you soon!

Interested in other new additions in Sun Peaks this season? Check out our What’s New for Winter 2018/19 article. You can also read more about the construction of the Orient in our previous August and October project updates.

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