Industry News
The construction of Loveland Ski Area’s, new high-speed detachable quad from Leitner-Poma is well underway. While there is still a lot of work to do before it is ready for opening day, thanks to some help from Terry Henningson, a Season Pass holder and former ski patroller, the new lift has a name:
The new lift will be called CHET’S DREAM in honor of Chester R. (Chet) Upham, Jr. (May 19, 1925 – January 24, 2008).
Not everyone can dream big, but Chet Upham could. From the beginning, Chet had a vision for Loveland, Colorado that transcended what others had seen. Chet became a partner in Loveland Ski Tow Company in 1956 and immediately convinced the other partners it was time to install what would be Loveland’s first chairlift and only the third such lift in Colorado, Lift 1. While a major force in the formative years from 1956, it was when Chet bought out the other partners in 1972 that the true potential was realized. From that day forward, the Upham Family has owned and operated Loveland Ski Area.
Chet’s dedication and love for the ski area were legendary. He invested both time and money to build an affordable ski experience and wanted everyone who came to feel as though they were guests of the owners. One of his favorite quotes was “if we’d get a dime, we’d spend it on improvements up there,” the Upham Family said. That philosophy continues today and Chet’s Dream endures.
A contest to name the new lift was opened to the public and Loveland received nearly three thousand entries. Loveland’s Board of Directors reviewed all the entries and selected Terry Henningson’s submission, Chet’s Dream.
Loveland Ski Area is tentatively scheduled to start making snow in 59 days and open in mid/late October.
