By Marty Basch

Maine's first lift loading conveyor system was officially opened last Sunday at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton.

The new Summit Triple Chair is the second in New England with the other at Okemo in Ludlow, Vt.

"We chose to stay with a fixed grip because it's economical," said Shawnee Peak owner Chet Homer. "We can't afford a $3.5 million or $4 million investment. Our pass holders told me I would be nuts to do that. I stayed with a triple versus a quad because very rarely are there days when the line is that big."

The chair features a conveyor loader. Stand by a gate, wait for it to open, slide forward on the moving belt  (think airport moving sidewalk on a smaller scale) and then sit in the chair as it approaches.

"We chose to invest in the conveyor to take advantage of the speed of the lift," said Homer. "The biggest complaint we had here was the ride to the top. We cut that down by a third and that's a huge difference."

The CTEC lift was purchased from Loon Mountain in Lincoln, N.H.  and replaces the old Riblet lift that was installed in 1984. Key components of the CTEC have been refurbished or replaced.

The governor congratulated Homer and his family on the investment and innovation of the triple lift while "helping put Maine on the map" in terms of winter recreation.

Ski Maine executive director Greg Sweetser says the lift's technology will be watched closely.

"I think this created some buzz, some fun and gives Maine something to brag about a little bit," he said. "This continues Shawnee's philosophy of reinvesting in the mountain and will increase skier capacity and the seats are more comfortable. People are going to notice the difference."