World's First Underground Ski Lift

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Where but in Park City would mine technology be used to transport skiers? It happened in 1965 when United Park City Mines Company, which built and operated Treasure Mountains Resort (now Park City Mountain Resort), decided to use the old Spiro mine drain tunnel as an alternative way to get skiers to the summit of the ski resort. The mine company create the world's first underground ski lift, using the existing electric mine train coupled with cars fabricated to carry skiers and their skis. The skiers traveled three miles into the mountain to the Thaynes Shaft where a hoist (mine elevator) lifted them 1,800 feet to the surface in Thaynes Canyon. There they put on their skis and traveled the short distance to the Thaynes Chair Lift. The unique underground transportation system was soon dubbed the "Skier Subway." "Just like riding the subway in New York," remarked one skier. (Underlying the Park City area are some 1,000 miles of tunnels, several times more than the New York subway system.) Unfortunately, the "Skier Subway" couldn’t survive on the novelty alone. After riding it once, skiers would grow frustrated with the long trip and opt for the gondola instead. The last mine train specifically for skiers ran in February 1969.

To view the last remaining subway car of the the world's first underground ski lift, the "skier subway", and for more information aboutthe history of winter sports in Park City, visit the new exhibit at the Park City Museum at 528 Main Street or call (435)649-7457.  The Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday noon to 6:00pm.  Docent guided museum tours are available by appointment.