CORNWALL, Connecticut — Mohawk Mountain is adding a triple chair lift to the mountain in time for the 2008-09 season. The Mohawk Triple Chair will replace an original double chair, in operation since 1961.

Work on the new lift began with its purchase last year. Mohawk Mountain’s crews, with help from engineers, the lift’s manufacturer and local specialists, removed the old lift in the spring and are currently working hard to replace it with the new fixed-grip triple chair lift. The Mohawk Chair Lift is the only lift at Mohawk Mountain that provides access to all mountain trails from the top. The new lift will provide better service to the summit and increased skier and snowboarder capacity.

Other renovations at Mohawk Mountain this year include refurbished bathrooms and new carpeting and flooring in the base lodge. Mohawk Mountain wants to keep the same friendly feeling in the lodge and on the mountain.

The new lift and other changes help kick off a celebration of 60 years of snowmaking at Mohawk Mountain, marking the anniversary of the first ever snowmaking experiments. Mohawk Mountain founder, ski industry pioneer and Skiing Hall of Fame inductee, Walt Schoenknecht is credited with the invention of snowmaking, beginning with experiments that occurred at Mohawk Mountain in the 1948-49 season.

Plans are for the new Mohawk Triple Chair to be ready for passengers by the start of this upcoming season. The opening day of Mohawk Mountain’s 62nd season, is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, weather and conditions permitting. Mohawk Mountain, located in Cornwall, is Connecticut’s oldest and largest winter sport area; still family owned and operated. Progress of lift construction is posted in the photo gallery of Mohawk Mountain’s website, www.mohawkmtn.com. The site also has new chair lift updates, upcoming events and winter schedules as well as information about passes, tickets and other 2008-09 season news. Information is also available at 800-895-5222.