World's Longest High-Speed Chairlift Expected To Operate This Winter

World’s Longest High-Speed Chairlift Expected To Operate This Winter

After not opening last winter due to mechanical issues, a Vermont ski resort’s famous chairlift is set to reopen during the 2025-26 season.

Warren, Vermont — Sugarbush had its fair share of lift issues last ski season. The opening date for the new Heaven’s Gate chairlift was marred by an extended stoppage, and other chairlifts featured downtime during the 2024-25 season. To top it off, one popular chairlift didn’t even operate last winter.

The Slide Brook Express connects Lincoln Peak to Mt. Ellen, making it easier to travel between the two mountains. The around 12-minute ride time feels like a roller coaster, dipping through hills and valleys. Slide Brook has a length of 11,012 feet, equivalent to a 2.1-mile journey. It comes with a unique set of rules for operation, as a natural snowpack is required in the event of a chairlift evacuation. This limits its operations to weekends and holidays during the peak season.

Yesterday, John Bleh at Sugarbush Resort provided an update on its status for the 2025-26 season. Last winter, it didn’t operate due to mechanical issues. Over this past summer, Alterra brought in the A-Team of lift mechanics to identify and solve the issues. With that being completed, it’s expected to operate during the 2025-26 season.

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Offseason Improvements

The main addition at Sugarbush is a new covered conveyor lift at the base of Mt. Ellen. This lift has replaced Tommy’s Toy lift. It will give easy access from the parking lots and be a short trip away from the Sunshine Quad. Unfortunately, they didn’t name it Carpet McCarpetface. After a public comment process, Sugarbush announced the new name to be Easy Up due to its proximity to the Easy Does It trail.

In terms of the other lifts, the Summit Quad received new drive and controls, Green Mountain Express (GMX) got some new processors, and North Lynx got its gearbox rebuilt. Clearing glades was another priority. The trails that were cleared up included Lew’s Line, Eden, Deeper Sleeper, Doors 1, 2, and 3 out in Slide Brook, Wild Turkey, Big Birch, and Graduation Woods. The snowmaking system also underwent repairs, which will allow them to make snow on Sunrise. Other projects include adding a new groomer, widening the new Heaven’s Gate unloading ramp, and more.