On April 2, Pico Mountain, Vermont, announced that it would be retiring the old Outpost double chair after the lift experienced a main drive-shaft failure earlier this winter.
Originally installed in 1969, the Outpost double chair has been spinning for nearly six decades. The chair serviced advanced and expert terrain ranging from steep moguls to tight glade runs.
Following the main drive-shaft failure this winter, a comprehensive engineering review was carried out. After exploring all possible repair options, the resort decided that repairing the lift was not feasible due to its age and lack of available parts.
In an Instagram post, Pico Mountain stated that due to permitting timelines and the lead time required to source and install a new lift, a permanent replacement lift will not be ready for next winter. The resort is currently looking into a temporary option to access this terrain including a possible rope tow for next season.
The Outpost double was a defining part of Pico’s character and one of the last Italian-made Carlevaro & Savio lifts in North America. “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,” Pico Mountain shared on social media.
Pico Mountain was founded in 1937 by Brad and Janet Mead, and was the trainning grounds for their daughter Andrea, who went on to win two Gold Medals at the 1952 Winter Olympics. In 1940, Pico built its first lift, the Little Pico T-bar, which was the first-ever T-Bar constructed in the United States. The resort was owned independently until 1996, when both Pico and nearby Killington were bought by American Ski Company. Plans to combine the resorts were proposed in the late 1990s as the resorts sit only 3 miles from each other, but these plans never came to fruition. In 2007, both resorts were sold to SP Land Co. and in 2024, both Killington and Pico were sold to Killington Independence Group LLC, made up of local investors. Since acquiring both resorts two years ago, the new owners have replaced the old Superstar Express quad with a new high-speed six-pack and are currently constructing the new Snowden quad, replacing the old Snowden triple chair. They are showing continued willingness to invest in Killington, so guests should be optimistic about a new lift replacement in the foreseeable future.
Although this is a sad time for everyone who enjoyed riding this iconic chair, Pico will soon be putting the old double chairs up for auction, allowing guests a chance at owning a piece of Pico history. If guests are interseted in learning more about Picos storied history, a museum is located on the third floor of the main lodge, displaying a collection of memorabilia from the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.
Resort Facts
Year Opened: 1937
Vertical Drop: 1,967 feet
Skiable Acres: 468
Annual Snowfall: 250 inches
Number of Trails: 58
Number of Lifts: 7
