Mont Farlagne in Edmundston had a strong start to the ski season this year. Thanks to favorable snowfalls and continuous operation of snow-making machines since early December, the ski hill opened its doors a week earlier than usual. However, just three mornings after Christmas, the chairlift experienced a breakdown shortly after commencing operations for the day. Skiers had to be evacuated from the lift, and the issue was identified as a gearbox malfunction, which was slated for replacement after the season’s end in the upcoming spring.
General manager Céline Parent expressed disappointment over the unforeseen breakdown, mentioning that they had been optimistic about the gearbox lasting the entire season. This incident marked the second consecutive year the hill’s sole chairlift had malfunctioned during the Christmas period. The timing was particularly disappointing given the favorable conditions at the start of this season.
Despite the setback, plans are in place to introduce another ski lift within the next year. This new “T-bar” lift will not only serve skiers but also cater to mountain biking enthusiasts during the summer months. The aim is to transform it into a four-season facility, utilizing the lift throughout the year for various activities.
Efforts are underway to repair the current chairlift, with a replacement part already on order from a manufacturer in Austria. Parent anticipates the lift will be operational again by mid-January once the new gearbox is installed. This repair, along with previous refurbishments, is expected to extend the lift’s lifespan by 20 years.
While awaiting the lift’s repair, members of Mont Farlagne will have the opportunity to ski for free at Crabbe Mountain and Poley Mountain. Other local businesses and ski hills have also extended their support, showcasing a strong sense of community solidarity during this challenging time.
In the interim, Mont Farlagne is still offering activities like tubing and snowshoeing to visitors. Parent remains hopeful and eagerly anticipates the delivery of the new gearbox from Austria, comparing the tracking process to following Santa Claus on his journey.