Mont Farlagne in Edmundston had a strong start to the ski season with ample snowfall and continuous operation of snow-making machines since early December, resulting in an early opening. However, three days after Christmas, the chairlift malfunctioned shortly after opening. Skiers on the lift were safely evacuated, and the issue was attributed to a faulty gearbox, which was scheduled for replacement after the season.
General manager Céline Parent expressed disappointment, mentioning that they were optimistic about the gearbox lasting the season. This marked the second consecutive year the hill’s only chairlift broke down during the Christmas holidays, particularly disheartening given the favorable conditions at the season’s start.
The replacement part had been ordered from an Austrian manufacturer and is expected to arrive soon, with plans to have the lift operational by mid-January. Upon installation, the scheduled refurbishment, including previous repairs to the pulley and wheel system, will be completed, extending the lift’s lifespan by 20 years.
Future plans include adding a second “T-bar” lift, intended for both skiing and mountain biking seasons. Additionally, neighboring ski hills are offering support to Farlagne skiers during the repair period.
In the interim, Mont Farlagne continues to offer activities such as tubing and snowshoeing. Parent eagerly anticipates the new gearbox’s arrival, humorously expressing their vigilance reminiscent of tracking Santa Claus.