The helicopters are flying, the trail crews have pick axes in tow, and the bulldozer is fired up as work throughout ski country continues. New lifts and unprecedented backcountry access occupy the marquee this offseason and we’ve got some exciting updates…
Arapahoe Basin:
A long time in the making, next season brings the addition of “The Beavers Chair” at Arapahoe Basin (*Free Unofficial Hat to whomever creates the sticker– “I Rode The Beaver”).
Also Read: Arapahoe Basin’s New Lift Location Intentionally Kept Off Website To Avoid Confusion
Last season, the new terrain was a hike-to only affair but now the masses will be able to get their lift accessed laps in. Varying from the gnarly Steep Gullies to mellow groomers, this new expansion promises to be a lot of fun. The added terrain included 468 acres of varied intermediate/expert terrain along with a fixed-grip quad chairlift.
Taos Ski Valley:
High speed is coming to Taos next winter with the replacement of Chair 1. The first high speed quad chairlift at the Ski Valley will dramatically increase ride time up the signature face of the mountain. The new ‘Al’s Express’ will continue 400 feet further than the old Chair 1 dropping riders right into the steeps.
Mount Spokane:
2019 is poised to be an exciting year for Spokane skiers and riders. With final approval in tow, Mount Spokane is finally expanding to open Chairlift 6. The long time backcountry stash for locals will add 279 acres of terrain to the resort and another chair lift. Dubbed the ‘Backside’ the new area will conveniently bring riders back out near the top of existing Chair 1.
Heavenly:
Following years of abandonment, Heavenly is rebuilding the ‘Galaxy Chair’ for next season. Re-opening the area adds 400 acres of fun intermediate terrain. The new lift will also help increase load capacity by growing from a double to triple chairlift. Locals will be excited for another lift on the Nevada side of the mountain to ride on busy days.
Wolf Creek:
Wolf Creek Powder Hounds are stoked as a new lift will offer unprecedented accessibility. The new ‘Meadows Lift’ will run near the current Alberta chair but provide better access to a wider variety of terrain. Required hiking and traversing will be less common and some previously inaccessible stashes will now be skiable.
