Pico Mountain's Outpost Double Chairlift Permanently Closed After Engineering Analysis

Pico Mountain has announced the permanent closure of its Outpost Double chairlift, bringing an end to the nearly six-decade run of one of the most historically significant lifts in North American skiing.

The lift had been sidelined earlier this season following a main drive-shaft failure. After a thorough review, an engineering analysis concluded that the damage is beyond repair, leaving mountain officials with no viable path to return the lift to service.

The mountain said in a statement: 

"We are saddened to share that the Outpost Double will be retired after nearly six decades of service.

Originally installed in 1969, the lift has long been a defining part of our character and a gateway to some of our most coveted terrain. Following a main drive shaft failure earlier this winter, the lift underwent a comprehensive engineering review. After exploring all possible repair options, it became clear that returning the lift to service was not feasible due to its age and the lack of available parts for what is now the last of its kind in North America.

While this marks the end of an era, we are committed to maintaining access to the Outpost terrain pod. We are actively exploring temporary options for next season, including the possibility of a rope tow. However, given current state permitting timelines and the lead time required to source and install a new lift, a full replacement will not be in place for next winter.

We know this one will hit home for a lot of people. For many of us, the Outpost Double was more than just a chairlift. It truly was part of what made Pico, Pico. We appreciate your understanding as we work through a new solution for this area.

Stay tuned for an opportunity to own a piece of history, as Outpost chairs will be going up for auction later this summer."

The Outpost Double was installed in 1969 and supplied by Italian manufacturer Carlevaro & Savio, a company that left its mark on the American ski industry through a number of high-profile installations. The firm was perhaps best known for its gondolas at destinations such as Mt. Snow, Sugarbush, and Wildcat Mountain. But the Outpost Double holds a distinction all its own: it is believed to be the last Carlevaro & Savio chairlift still standing in North America, making sourcing replacement parts a near-impossible task and ultimately sealing its fate.

The fixed-grip double served a small but well-loved terrain pod on the mountain's quieter side, accessing a collection of intermediate and advanced trails. Though the runs are on the shorter side, they have long been a favorite among skiers who appreciate their character and the old-school charm of riding a lift that predates much of the modern ski industry.

With the lift gone, access to that terrain pod remains uncertain for the foreseeable future.

For those looking for a piece of history to take home, Pico Mountain has announced that the lift's vintage chairs will be auctioned off later this year — a final chance for fans of the old double to hold onto a little bit of what made it special.