Hunter, NY – Hunter Mountain’s latest lift installation, a high-speed detachable quad to serve the New York State ski resort’s West Side, has been named the Zephyr Express.

The name was submitted by Creel Brown, a Hunter Mountain patron from New York City, in a contest and was chosen from hundreds of submissions. The name refers to a westerly wind, originating from Greek mythology. Hunter’s Kaatskill Flyer, which was installed for the 2010-11 winter season on the front side of Hunter Mountain, was also named via guest submission.

The Zephyr Express, which began its life as Hunter’s Snowlite Express, was refurbished during the 2010-11 season. The quad will replace the Y-Lift on the West Side, which services Hunter’s expert terrain and is a haven for mogul and steep skiing and riding. Some of Hunter’s most famous trails, including Annapurna, are located on its West Side.

The Zephyr Express will be finished on time and ready to open for the 2011-12 winter season. The capacity of the lift will be 2400 per hour, an upgrade from 1900 per hour, the capacity of Y and Z lifts combined. Z Lift will be used as a backup lift to provide extended capacity.

“We know many of our guests have waited patiently for a high speed detachable on Hunter West,” explains Russ Coloton, President of Hunter Mountain. “We’re happy to be able to give our dedicated expert skiers and riders a smoother, faster ride back to the top of the West Side.”