Sundance, Utah today revealed plans for its fifth new lift in ten years, the Electric Horseman Express. The mountain’s second detachable quad will run from near the bottom of Wildwood to the top of Red’s, rising an impressive 1,850 vertical feet in six minutes. The back mountain expansion will open in phases with nine new trails and 60 acres opening this winter. The new lift will debut in 26/27 along with 105 acres adjacent to Bishop’s Bowl. The nearby Flathead lift, a 1975 Thiokol, will remain for now but eventually be removed.
Doppelmayr will construct the Electric Horseman Express along a steep, 4,400 foot alignment requiring 16 towers. The lift’s eccentric name is a nod to a 1979 film starring Robert Redford, who owned Sundance for 51 years. Redford sold the mountain in 2020 to two real estate investment firms, which have pumped tens of millions into new lifts, terrain, parking, a daylodge and hotel over the past five years.
“The addition of the Electric Horseman Express will transform how our guests experience the back mountain, allowing skiers and riders to lap all of the new and existing terrain in a single high-speed lift ride,” said Czar Johnson, Chief Operating Officer. “The expanded acreage gives locals even more reason to choose Sundance Resort for their season pass, and provides our traveling guests enough variety to make our new Inn at Sundance their home base for exploration,” he continued.
Arapahoe Basin today announced it submitted a new Master Development Plan (MDP) to the Forest Service for review. The plan includes several lift additions within the mountain’s existing 1,800 acre permit area with a focus on out-of-base capacity and improving the experience for beginner and intermediate skiers. Arapahoe Basin already operates one of the most modern lift fleets in the industry with six Leitner-Poma chairlifts, all built between 2007 and 2022. The MDP builds on that fleet with a new detachable gondola, pulse gondola and detachable quad all running in new alignments.
Alterra Mountain Company bought Arapahoe Basin last year and Alterra will offer unlimited access on the Ikon Pass next season. “Alterra intends to keep the legacy of “The Legend” alive and build upon its existing infrastructure and enrich the guest experience, while maintaining its reputation of challenging terrain with a laid-back essence,” the plan notes. “A-Basin will continue to limit ticket and pass sales to preserve the guest experience even with the construction of upgrade plan projects,” the mountain noted.
Two relatively short gondolas are planned. The first would provide access from near the Last Chance and Upper Chance parking lots to an existing pedestrian tunnel under U.S. Highway 6. This would replace bus service with an environmentally-friendly and comfortable alternative. The gondola would include pulses of three cabins, each seating six guests. This design would move 500 foot passengers per hour in each direction.
An eight passenger detachable gondola is planned to run from the main base area to Sawmill Flats. This 2,000 foot long lift would increase out-of-base capacity by 1,800 skiers per hour and service a new mid-mountain learning center. A-Basin’s base area is constrained and lacks sufficient beginner terrain. As part of this project, the Pika conveyor would be relocated to mid-mountain. The new learning center would sit 425 vertical feet above the lodge, out of the hussle and bustle with scenic views.
Finally, a high speed quad called Wrangler is envisioned from the new learning center to the bottom of Lenawee Express. Combined with the lower gondola, this 1,684 foot long lift would provide an alternate route to the upper mountain from the congested Black Mountain Express. The primary purpose of this lift, however, would be the next progression for beginners after learning to ski at mid mountain. Wrangler Express would rise 245 vertical feet with a capacity 1,800 skiers per hour. “The new gondola, conveyor and Wrangler lift would all enhance progression and utilization by servicing gentle terrain on the east side of the resort,” the plan notes.
The plan also includes expanded parking, new snowmaking and additional skier services. SE Group calculated A-Basin’s future design day at 4,840 guests, an increase of 18 percent from existing conditions. It’s important to note the Forest Service hasn’t yet accepted the plan and all projects identified would require site-specific environmental analysis and approval per the National Environmental Policy Act.
Arapahoe Basin and the Forest Service plan to hold an open house about the master plan on Saturday, May 31st from 4-6 pm on the 2nd Floor of the A-Frame.
Canada’s third D-Line lift will debut at Moonstone, Ontario next winter, just steps from the groundbreaking Adventure8. Mount St. Louis Moonstone has again partnered with Doppelmayr to build the Elfriede Huter Xpress, a 3,000 passenger per hour six pack. The new lift will replace the Easy Street and Outback fixed grip lifts on the north flank of the mountain. “We’re saying goodbye to two legendary lifts,” said Robert Huter, General Manager of MSLM. “We’re thrilled to be writing the next chapter in our commitment to delivering the best lift infrastructure in Eastern Canada.” The project is named for Elfriede Huter, co-founder of the resort and matriarch of the Huter family who passed away last winter at the age of 86 (the six year old Josl Huter Express bears the name of Elfriede’s late husband and co-founder.) “Elfriede’s strength, warmth, and quiet determination helped build the resort from humble beginnings into the iconic destination it is today,” the resort noted.
MSLM will move some 100,000 cubic meters of fill to add 28 vertical feet for the new D-Line to land on. The Elfie Xpress will feature a direct drive, heated seats, manual locking restraint bars and a raiseable loading conveyor. When the lift is complete, MSLM will operate five detachable lifts moving more than 3,000 skiers an hour apiece. “Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, investing where it matters most—on the slopes,” said Operations Director Andre Huter. “This new lift is not just about speed, it’s about guest experience, comfort, and continuing to build on the legacy of innovation that’s been our family’s foundation since 1964.” Lift construction has already begun and the new ride is expected to be complete by December.
Nonprofit Titcomb Mountain will erect a shiny new T-Bar this fall in partnership with Doppelmayr. The new T-Bar 2 will replace a 1953 Constam which had been relocated from Cannon Mountain and reached the end of its useful life. The move comes after Titcomb successfully raised over $1.6 million of an estimated $2.25 million needed to renew mountain infrastructure. Initially Titcomb considered installing another used lift but settled on new after reviewing bids from several manufacturers. “Thanks to your donations, and a bid from Doppelmayr USA that came in well below our expected price, we will be installing a BRAND NEW T-Bar where our beloved Lift 2 once stood,” the mountain wrote on social media. “This is a pivotal time for Titcomb, and we greatly appreciate having the support of our community, as it breathes new life into our Mountain and increases our sustainability,” the post continued.
Production will begin immediately and the new lift is expected to open for the 2025-26 season. Titcomb is still fundraising to replace the aging T-Bar 1, which could happen as soon as this fall as well. The link to donate is here.
It’s official: Snowmass will construct two lifts simultaneously this summer for the first time since 2006. Leitner-Poma will replace the Elk Camp detachable quad with a six pack and Skytrac will install a T-Bar to replace the Cirque platter. The projects are part of an $80 million capital improvement summer for Aspen Snowmass. Other projects include a new Ullrhof restaurant, snowmaking upgrades and forest health work. “We have a huge summer ahead for on-mountain developments here at Aspen Snowmass,” said Geoff Buchheister, CEO of Aspen Skiing Company. “These projects represent Aspen One’s commitment to ongoing investment in delivering the most exceptional guest experience possible.”
The Elk Camp chair dates back to 1995, tied for the third oldest lift at Snowmass. Elk Camp services popular intermediate terrain in the winter and hauls bikes to the top of the Snowmass Bike Park come summer. Winter throughput will increase from 2,020 skiers per hour on the current quad to 2,800 while bike haul capacity will nearly double. The lift’s alignment will shift slightly away from the Elk Camp Restaurant.
At the top of the mountain, the curved Cirque platter will be retired in favor of a straight Leitner/Skytrac T-Bar. Capacity here will increase from 450 guests per hour to 1,000. Similar to the new surface lift at Champan Hill, Colorado, Cirque will combine specialized Leitner parts from Europe with American made towers, controls and operator houses from Skytrac.
“The areas of terrain served by these lifts are some of the most popular on our mountain,” said Susan Cross, Mountain Manager at Snowmass. “These updates allow for guests to more smoothly access Snowmass’ classic wide-open slopes and sweeping vistas at Elk Camp, and the incredible variety of high-alpine terrain we have off The Cirque. I am proud that we continue to invest in making this mountain the best that it can be, and having high-speed, higher capacity lifts is critical to the Snowmass experience,” she continued.
Washington’s oldest detachable chairlift will be retired this spring to make way for a next-generation high speed quad. Crystal Mountain’s Rainier Express, or “Rex” for short, dates back to 1988, when a group of local shareholders purchased two Poma chairlifts for the mountain. By the mid-1990s, Boyne Resorts acquired Crystal and replaced nearly every lift between 1997 and 2014. Rex endured, however, and has now carried skiers for 37 seasons.
Alterra Mountain Company bought Crystal in 2018 and Rainier Express 2.0 will be their first lift project at Washington’s largest ski area. “Referred to locally as ‘REX,’ this high-speed quad was the first detachable chairlift built in Washington State,” noted Crystal. “Since its construction in 1988, it has represented Crystal Mountain’s pioneering spirit in big-mountain, skier-focused operations and investments.”
Leitner-Poma will build the new high speed quad and expects to break ground in June. The new lift will carry skiers 1,600 vertical feet to the Summit House in under five minutes. For Rex’s final weekend May 2nd-4th, Crystal plans a rail jam, photo contest and 1988 themed party. Most of the old lift will be scrapped and chairs auctioned to the public to benefit the Northwest Avalanche Center. The new Rainier Express is expected to be completed in December 2025.
Purgatory will embark on a significant expansion this summer, constructing the long-awaited Gelande lift and five new trails. The top drive Skytrac triple will introduce a new out-of-base option, allowing day visitors to bypass the main village. “This addition will greatly improve our guests’ experience by creating a new way to access the top of the mountain without requiring access through the Columbine or Village base areas while adding to the advanced and expert terrain offered on the frontside of the mountain,” said Purgatory General Manager Dave Rathbun.
The triple chair will be substantial for a fixed grip, spanning roughly 4,200 feet with 1,600 feet of vertical rise. The alignment includes some very steep sections near the bottom and flatter segments up top.
The Forest Service approved this project back in 2018 and it will add 26 acres to Purgatory’s special use permit boundary. The expansion is expected to create 12-15 construction jobs, mostly utilizing existing winter seasonal employees. Purgatory hopes the new year-round team will continue building new lifts and trails in future summers. “We are excited to be in position to grow and develop our year-round team of employees,” said Rathbun. “These positions will play a crucial role in the ski lift construction and ski trail development. It will also give us the opportunity to provide year-round, benefited positions to some of our key winter seasonal employees and build a stronger, more knowledgeable and experienced team.”
Due to construction, the Purgatory Bike Park will not operate in 2025. “We understand that the temporary closure of the Mountain Bike Park may be an adjustment, but we are confident that the long-term benefits of the new Gelande chairlift and ski terrain will be well worth it,” said Purgatory.
Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) may construct its second chairlift/gondola hybrid lift at Sandia Peak, its latest acquisition near Albuquerque. The Telemix system would directly replace Chair 1, a Stadeli double which dates back to 1963, and effectively replace Chair 3, a Riblet double constructed in 1980. MCP acquired and reopened Sandia Peak earlier this year and quickly reactivated two of its four chairlifts that had sat idle for several seasons. Chair 1 was not among them and has been inoperable since 2017.
The new lift would closely resemble the Arizona Gondola which Leitner-Poma built for MCP at Arizona Snowbowl in 2020. Sandia’s Telemix would travel 7,400 feet in 7.5 minutes, half the time of the old lift. It could operate in both winter and summer for skiers as well as foot passengers coming from the independently-owned Sandia Peak Tramway. Although specific chair and gondola sizes weren’t specified, the lift would transport 2,400 guests per hour. The Forest Service is currently accepting comments on the proposal via email and expects to reach a decision in August.
At least four new lifts will be constructed in New Hampshire this summer following the state tramway board’s approval for Bretton Woods to begin construction on a new high speed quad. The new lift will replace the Bethlehem Express, the oldest of five detachables on the mountain. Doppelmayr constructed the current lift in 1989 but the new one will be built by Leitner-Poma. It will be the first Poma lift constructed at Bretton Woods since 1973, when three Heron-Poma lifts debuted for the resort’s inaugural season. In addition to retiring Bethlehem Express, Bretton Woods is also retiring the nearby Fayban’s Express triple and auctioning the chairs.
Bretton Woods is part of the Omni Mountain Washington Resort, itself a subsidiary of Omni Hotels & Resorts. The company has invested heavily in its New Hampshire ski area over the past decade including building an eight passenger gondola and expansive summit lodge. Bretton Woods and Leitner-Poma plan to start construction on Bethlehem in April and the new lift should be substantially completed in October.
MND Ropeways will construct another lift at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire this summer, replacing the existing World Cup T-Bar and Exhibition Poma. The lift will run in a new alignment, serving athletes and training programs as well as the general public. The new T-Bar will span 2,226 feet with a vertical rise of 602 feet and capacity of 1,100 skiers per hour.
“This new T-Bar is an exciting investment in our mountain’s infrastructure,” said Tim Smith, President & General Manager of Waterville Valley Resort. “It will greatly improve our ability to support training camps, race and freestyle programs, and provide enhanced access for recreational skiers.”
This will be the fifth MND Ropeways installation at Waterville following the High Country T-Bar, Tecumseh Express and two conveyors. As part of this summer’s work, Waterville will install redesigned bubbles for the Tecumseh Express’ 83 chairs. A new bubble material has already been tested and found to be more durable than the original Bartholet version.
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