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 Loveland 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 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 for Loveland 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 Loveland 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 (Loveland),” 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.
“I was on Loveland’s Ski Patrol for a few years in the late nineties and had the pleasure of meeting Chet a few times,” said Terry Henningson. “Because he was so passionate and played such a big role in developing Loveland into what it is today, I thought that this would be an appropriate way to honor his legacy.”
Loveland Ski Area will provide Terry with a chair from the old Lift 1 for providing the name of the new lift.
With great pride and joy, the Upham Family and Loveland employees dedicate CHET’S DREAM in memory of Chet Upham.
Loveland Ski Area is tentatively scheduled to start making snow in 59 days and open in mid/late October.
Chet’s Dream – Next with Kyle Clark from Loveland Ski Area on Vimeo.
September 19, 2018
The Poma Crew got the lift cable up on Chet’s Dream. We’re getting close to completion of the lift construction. The upper lift shack is being built and the chairs need to be installed. Get ready, ski season is almost here!
Chet’s Dream Lift Cable from Loveland Ski Area on Vimeo.
September 7, 2018
Helicopters were busy flying concrete and lift towers up to the new Chet’s Dream. Check out the video of the towers being flown up!
Chet’s Dream Tower Installation from Loveland Ski Area on Vimeo.
August 8, 2018
The Poma crew is hard at work with the bottom terminal. We’re hoping to fly in the concrete sometime next week. We’ll keep you posted with any updates.
July 7, 2018
Spider Excavator at Loveland Ski Area from Loveland Ski Area on Vimeo.
