Mont Farlagne ski resort in Edmundston had an excellent start to the ski season, opening a week earlier than usual due to favorable snow conditions and continuous snow-making operations since early December. However, the joy was short-lived when the chairlift malfunctioned three days after Christmas. The breakdown, attributed to a faulty gearbox that was scheduled for replacement after the season, led to the evacuation of skiers.
General manager Céline Parent expressed disappointment, mentioning that this was the second consecutive year the chairlift had failed during the holiday season. Despite the setback, she highlighted the positive start to the season with abundant snowfall.
A replacement gearbox has been ordered from Austria and is expected to arrive soon. Parent aims to have the lift operational again by mid-January, completing the refurbishment that is anticipated to extend the lift’s lifespan by 20 years. Additionally, plans are in place to install a new T-bar lift, intended for both skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer, making it a versatile four-season amenity.
While awaiting repairs, Farlagne members can ski for free at alternative locations like Crabbe Mountain and Poley Mountain. The community has shown support, with businesses offering assistance to the ski resort. In the interim, Mont Farlagne continues to offer activities such as tubing and snowshoeing as they eagerly anticipate the new gearbox’s arrival from Austria.
General manager Céline Parent humorously remarked that they would track the gearbox’s journey like following Santa Claus, emphasizing the anticipation surrounding the repair process.
