It's been reported that although the chairs were painted, the paint is very thick and poorly done, AND moving parts of the motor were painted over making operation virtually impossible.

It's been reported that although the chairs were painted, the paint is very thick and poorly done, AND moving parts of the motor were painted over making operation virtually impossible.

It was impossible before the paint.

FWIW, Crotched brought back 1/2 Halls and Big Tupper brought back 2/3 Halls (and it's only 2/3 as the third has been made redundant with Chair 3 to the top), and Maple Valley has been closed fewer years than either of those two.

I think Obienick was saying 'one out of two' Halls were brought back at Crotched West.

What kind of logging equipment? Is the pipe new-looking or old?

I very well can imagine the owner, after withdrawing his permit application, sell what's left for scrap. A lot of times pipe is dragged with a skidder. Any reopening would utilize new pipe with a larger diameter. A larger diameter decreases friction loss of head, as well as allow higher pumping rates allowing quicker openings. New higher pressure pipe often has Teflon-coated insides to further decrease friction loss.

Also, doesn't a row of houses parallel the trail far skiers' left? Could pipe be for that?

There is a street off to the left but I'd say the pipe is coming off the mountain since it looks to be older! If I remember correctly there was a skidder and a small excavator. There may have also been logs in that area but that part is rusty in my head!

Wondering if anyone has been touring up on Maple Valley in recent years and if the trails are clear enough for a decent descent when there's some snow on the ground. Might be moving down to Southern VT this winter and looking for some unique touring options. Plus I have such great memories growing up at Maple Valley that it'd be a real treat to ski Buckeroo Bonzai again