If you love skiing at Angel Fire Resort, you know our lifts are the heartbeat of the mountain. And while our Lift Maintenance team is already hard at work installing a brand-new chairlift for the upcoming season, they recently took on another major project. And it’s one you don’t see every day.
They replaced the haul rope on the Southwest Flyer.
What Exactly Is a Haul Rope?
In simple terms, the haul rope is the massive steel cable that moves the lift chairs up and down the mountain. It’s engineered to withstand tremendous weight, friction, extreme weather, and constant use. Replacing one is a rare and specialized undertaking, especially when that cable weighs 46,000 pounds.
How the Project Worked
To install the new haul rope, our team first had to remove every chair from the Southwest Flyer. From there, they safely extracted the old rope. This is a technical process requiring precise coordination. Then, technicians prepared the lift for its new cable.
The final and most specialized step involved splicing, the method used to join the ends of the new haul rope into one continuous loop. This was completed by Travis from Knight Equipment, a haul rope splicing expert whose precise work ensures the lift runs smoothly and safely for years to come.
But this wasn’t a one-person job.
Crews from Lift Maintenance, Lift Operations, Ski Patrol, Park Crew, and Vehicle Maintenance all played a crucial role. Changing a haul rope is more than just maintenance. It’s a massive, mountain-wide effort and a true testament to the teamwork that keeps Angel Fire Resort running.
Why This Matters for Guests
Lift maintenance like this is essential to ensuring a reliable, efficient experience on the snow. When lifts are tuned, tested, and upgraded, it means fewer delays, smoother rides, and more time skiing the terrain you love.
And yes, the Southwest Flyer will be spinning with its brand-new haul rope this season.
Winter Is Coming, So Make Your Plans Now
Our teams are working around the clock to get the mountain ready. With new lift upgrades, expanded terrain coming soon, and fresh improvements all around the resort, this winter is shaping up to be incredible.
Now is the perfect time to book your ski trip to Angel Fire Resort. Secure your lodging, passes, and lessons today, and get ready to experience a mountain that’s gearing up for its best season yet.
