Here are a couple of photos of the new Blitzen lift location at 7Springs. I typed a long note on it but failed with posting. Have to run so here you go.

Great question! I was thinking to myself, hmm I could ski through those trees and go down north face. It seems possible, if not intended. The thing that I like is that the new landing will reduce congestion at the top. I believe that it is a quad, and a little faster than the old lift, so it should make skiing that area more pleasant. I think that Vail correctly identified the Blitzen area as nice place that they can get open earlier.

I didn't see any new pipe or poles for snowmaking.