Method and system for lifting a wind turbine rotor

A method of lifting a rotor of a wind turbine, the rotor having a center of gravity and including a hub and first, second, and third blades projecting outwardly from the hub at locations circumferentially distributed thereabout, the method comprising:

• positioning first and second slings around the first and second blades, respectively, to define first and second lifting zones delineating a lifting envelope, wherein the lifting envelope encompasses the center of gravity;
• lifting the rotor above a surface via the first and second slings wherein the rotor is in one of a substantially horizontal or substantially vertical orientation while being fully supported via the first and second slings;
• and
• reorienting the rotor toward the other of a substantially horizontal or substantially vertical orientation, with the aid of at least one of the first and second slings while continuing to fully support the rotor by the first and second slings.