Gatlinburg Sky Lift was in the path of the Tennessee wildfire that spread to Gatlinburg on Nov. 28. The chairlift’s upper section and upper terminal appear to have experienced significant heat damage, the degree of which is being evaluated, said officials. The facilities on the upper viewing deck, including the gift shop, are a total loss.
The street-level building where ticket sales, offices and a maintenance shop are housed stands entirely unharmed, and the lift’s lower terminal was also spared the fire’s fury.
Efforts to determine whether the company will be able to repair the chairlift or will need to replace it are currently underway. Officials expect to have the information necessary to make such a decision over the coming few weeks. Officials reported they are "confident in committing to re-opening in mid/late Spring 2017 to again offer scenic rides and provide a mountain-top venue for viewing the Smoky Mountains."
At this time, Sky Lift officials are continuing with focus on its team members who have suffered personal loss from the fire. The Sky Lift is operated by Boyne Resorts and as soon as the recovery plan is finalized, full details will be released.
For more information about Gatlinburg Sky Lift, please visit www.gatlinburgskylift.com.