Skiers Open Spiro Tunnel, 1965:
The Spiro Tunnel, used to drain the Silver King Consolidated Mine workings in Park City, became transformed into an "underground ski lift" during the winter of 1964-65. The "Silver Con," a competitor to the Silver King Mine, drove the tunnel in 1916 under supervision of mine owner Solon Spiro. The area served by the tunnel suspended operations in about 1937, and the mine closed in 1948. With the expansion of the ski industry and a Park City building boom in the early 1960s, the Spiro Tunnel figured in plans to provide skiers with a way to the upper areas of Treasure Hill.
The Park Record chronicled the event, as follows:
. . . this train is one of two which will operate as part of the worldīs first underground ski lift. . . The train rocks and rumbles through the tunnel, then slows slightly as it passed the half-way point [ca.] 7,000 feet into the
tunnel . . . Once the train reaches the end of the almost-level tunnel, the passengers begin the "lift" part of the ride. . . Passengers leave the train and are loaded on small elevator-type compartments [cages] in the mineīs hoist shaft. After the compartments are loaded, the hoist starts its rapid 1,700 foot ascent to ground level. . . Two and a half minutes after entering the "elevators", passengers step out into the mountain topīs sunshine.
The ride itself was operated by experienced miners, who maintained the trains, tracks, and timbers.
Miners operated the "Skier's Subway" into the Spiro Tunnel. (Historical Photographs from the Park City Historical Society and Museum Collection)
A proclamation setting aside April 25 and 26th as "Success for Utah Olympics Days." These two days were to ensure the support and dedication of Utah citizens ". . . to the success of the Olympics for Utah Delegation in presentation of their bid for the 1972 International Winter Games." (Utah State Archives)
