Eric Wagnon writing to examiner.com brings us a look at their list of the Top 10 Chairlifts in the Western United States.
“This series covers the “top 10″ chairlifts– not including trams or gondolas– at ski resorts in the western United States. This top 10 list admittedly is highly subjective. These are not necessarily the highest or longest lifts, but they are all memorable and special for the skiers who ride them. Click on the links below to learn more about each of these fabulous rides.”
Top 10 ski chairlifts in the western United States
According To The Examiner
No. 10: John Paul Express Quad at Snowbasin
The John Paul Express Quad climbs 2,424 vertical feet to access most of the 2002 Olympic men’s and women’s downhill courses, plus an abundance of advanced and expert terrain.
No. 9: Grouse Mountain Express at Beaver Creek
The Grouse Mountain Express Lift defies a stereotype. Beaver Creek Resort is often thought of as Colorado’s answer to Deer Valley. Fortunately for skiers who enjoy a bumpier ride, the grooming snowcats generally stay away from Grouse Mountain. The result is some of the best bump skiing in the country.
No. 8: American Flyer at Copper Mountain
The American Flyer high-speed quad at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado may be the best beginner lift in the country.
No. 7: Big Mountain Express at Whitefish
Chair 1 Big Mountain Express lives up to its name by accessing Big Mountain, a 6,817-foot peak overlooking Whitefish, Mont. The resort, itself, was known as Big Mountain Resort until 2007 when the name was changed to Whitefish Mountain Resort.
No. 6: Sublette Quad at Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort comes up in nearly every discussion of the best expert terrain the United States. While the way down at Jackson Hole is steep, the best chairlift to take on the way up is the Sublette Quad Chair.
No. 5: Loge Peak at Aspen Highlands
The Loge Peak high-speed quad chairlift gives skiers a couple of good options: keep heading up on foot to Highland Bowl or go back down the enticing terrain on the layout’s frontside for another lap.
No. 4: Supreme at Alta
The Supreme lift cannot claim speed, elevation or vertical superlatives, but like Alta Ski Area where it is found, Supreme has a special appeal not measured by statistics.
No. 3: Pallavicini at Arapahoe Basin
If the Supreme lift at Alta Ski Area (at No. 4 on this list) is Utah’s throwback favorite, the Pallavicini chairlift at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area may be Colorado’s answer.
No. 2: Chair 23 at Mammoth Mountain
The number 23 reminds basketball fans of Michael Jordan or LeBron James for the younger generation. For skiers, 23 brings to mind Chair 23 at Mammoth Mountain, the signature chairlift at the massive California resort.
No. 1: KT-22 Express at Squaw Valley USA, Calif.
No matter how beloved, a chairlift is not a cuddly thing. KT-22 Express at Squaw Valley USA, however, is so revered that it has a namesake mascot, KT the Bear, to handle all of the warm and fuzzy hugs. On the other hand, KT-22 dishes out tough terrain at the California resort.