September 20, 2022
The Highlands To Install First Six-Person Bubble Chairlift In The Midwest
Camelot 6 Opening For Winter 2023/24
The Highlands located in Harbor Springs in northern Michigan, today announced plans to install a six-person, high-speed Doppelmayr D-Line bubble chairlift to open for the 2023/24 winter season.This is the first lift of its kind in the Midwest.
“We’re coming full circle in lift innovation from the world’s first bubble chairlift in 1963, to the Midwest’s first modern bubble lift with unrivaled guest comfort, speed, energy efficiency, and safety in 2023,” said Mike Chumbler, president and general manager of The Highlands. “This will be the most kid-friendly and safest lift ever built,” he added. “The addition of Camelot 6 will transform the guest experience on the southern end of our slopes for all levels of skiers and riders.”
Riders will be treated to ultra-comfort with the D-Line’s heated, extra wide seats that are ergonomically designed, plus individual footrests. A tinted, weatherproof bubble keeps passengers warm and protected from elements while being whisked on a whisper-quiet three-minute ride up the slopes, the fastest in the Midwest at 6m/s.
Equipped with the most advanced safety features in North America, Camelot 6 features the first fully automatic safety bar system in the U.S., including auto closing and auto opening mechanisms, in addition to auto locking and a height-adjustable loading carpet conveyor.
Camelot 6 is replacing three existing triple-place lifts – Camelot, Valley, and MacGully – and will extend to the top of Upper Camelot slope. This new D-Line six-person bubble chairlift allows for quicker access to a variety of scenic and popular terrain, more convenient access for day and evening visitors with its proximity to the resort’s Day Lodge portal, and will also serve as the primary lift for summer chairlift rides and expanding mountain biking operations. The Camelot run itself will also be extensively regraded to allow progressing beginners to confidently utilize this transformative lift.
Construction and dismantling is expected to begin in spring 2023.
Camelot 6 is one of a number of significant investments outlined in The Highlands’ Transformational Journey, a vision plan guiding resort growth with an array of dramatic new offerings and amenity enhancements through the year 2030. For additional information on Camelot 6 and the 2030 Transformational Journey, visit highlandsfuture.com.
For additional resort information, including details on season passes and lift tickets on sale now, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.
About The Highlands
The Highlands offers an idyllic setting in charming Harbor Springs, Mich. The resort is a family-owned destination providing the ultimate northern Michigan experience served with heartfelt hospitality. For nearly 60 years, The Highlands has enriched the moment for vacationing guests with its all-season allure. The Highlands is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions. To learn more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com .