A new Prinoth winch snowcat arrives Thursday at Chapman Hill Ski Area. The old snowcat can be seen in the background. The city of Durango approved the purchase of the $450,000 grooming machine for the ski area. The previous snowcat has undergone numerous repairs; it was becoming expensive to maintain, and repairs meant the city was unable to use the machine while waiting for parts. The city shopped for used snowcats but could not find one with a low number of operating hours. The new snowcat is expected to last more than 20 years. The city plans to hang onto the old machine as a backup. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Tires are placed on the ground to keep the new Prinoth winch snowcat off the concrete and mud as it is unloaded Thursday at Chapman Hill Ski Area. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
The new Prinoth winch snowcat arrives on Thursday at Chapman Hill Ski Area. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
