BlueBird Express Chairlift Operations Update
Team Brundage has some frustrating news to share with our downhill mountain bikers and scenic chairlift riders.
A newly installed component on the Bluebird Express chairlift is not functioning properly. We are actively working with the manufacturer to rectify the situation as swiftly as possible. Unfortunately, that means the Bluebird Express will be inoperable until further notice.
The Bluebird Express is the only chairlift we are able to run during summer operations, so for the time being, *lift-served* downhill mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides are not available.
In spite of that, Team Brundage is prepped and ready to offer summer guests a fun and welcoming experience, and there are a ton of fun things to do (and eat!) on the mountain.
Smoky’s Bar & Grill offers the coolest (and highest) dining experience in the West Central Mountains. Smoky’s summer menu is packed with tasty dishes the whole family will enjoy. Smoky’s offers a full bar, easy parking and tons of space indoors and outdoors to enjoy a full meal or share some midday refreshments with friends.
XC mountain biking and hiking from the base area are open on the Growler, Lakeview Vista and Rock Garden Trails. XC Bikers who pedal to the summit can ride any open downhill trails. Please note – as per normal operations, hikers are not allowed on DH trails.
The Fourth of July Music Fest will take place exactly as planned. We have free live music in the base area from 10:30 – 5:00 pm, Spencer Batt kicks off the entertainment at 10:30, Corn Mash takes the stage at 12:15, and headliner Lucky Tongue will be rockin’ the grassy amphitheater from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Learn more
The Cat Track 10k foot race will take place as planned on July 4. We’re working on a new plan for the 5k race…stay tuned for more on that.
No Changes are expected to these favorite summer activities:
The TGIF Concert Series – FREE weekly concerts will go on as scheduled Friday at 6 pm, with all regular base area services open. The lift closure will NOT impact the Wild Rockies Short Track Series on Friday afternoon, free yoga practice on Wednesday or the new Thursday “Noontime Runners” sessions.
The Mountain Sports School will continue to host the Social Group Mountain Bike Ride on Friday afternoon, along with Saturday’s Learn to Mountain Bike Clinic.
“Naturally, we’re disappointed that we won’t be able to offer scenic chairlift rides and lift-served mountain biking heading into the popular Fourth of July period,” says Brundage Mountain General Manager, Ken Rider. “On the plus side, Brundage has boosted the number of weekly events and offerings that don’t involve the chairlift, so there is still plenty of fun to be had up here in the cooler alpine temperatures.”
Brundage Mountain is open Wednesdays through Sundays, with Bonus Days this coming week on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4.
Smoky’s Bar and Grill, Guest Services, the Bike Shop and the Retail Shop will be open as usual. You can view the Summer Operating Hours for each of those outlets here.
Be sure to check the Summer Trails Report for trail status and updates on lift operations as we move forward with the repair process.
