In 1970, a used T-bar ski lift was located in Michigan, purchased and delivered to Proctor. Patched together with labor and love, that lift served us well over 37 years.

The state inspector, however, announced last year that significant upgrades were needed. With great foresight, the school had prepared for this day by purchasing the north T-bar from nearby King Ridge when that area closed in 1995. Out of storage 12 years later, the towers are being sand-blasted in preparation for Proctor-green paint and installation at The Blackwater.

Installing the "new" T-bar is a $150,000 job. In May, a former trustee made a challenge gift of $75,000 toward the project. Eighteen friends of Proctor responded with additional gifts adding up to $117,000, and work is proceeding through the heat of summer. The old lift house is gone. A new one, with a new electric motor, is coming.

The lift replacement is Phase 1 of a three-phase upgrade to the Blackwater. Approximately $235,000 is needed to proceed with enhanced snowmaking....

...and approximately $165,000 will go to trail improvements that will widen and open up the upper part of the hill.

Phase 2 and 3 will proceed when monies are raised specifically for these projects. In the meantime, the installation of the King Ridge T-bar symbolizes our commitment to this very special facility.