There are plenty of incredible chairlifts, gondolas, and trams throughout North America, some unique in their design, some shining through the terrain they access, and some providing truly jaw-dropping views. The 5 most iconic lifts in North America will always be a bit of a contentious topic, but we’ve put together a list of what we believe belongs at the top. These are the 5 most iconic ski lifts in North America.
1. The Aerial Tram – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
The iconic Aerial Tram of Jackson Hole shoots 4,139 vertical feet into the sky in just 12 minutes, bringing you to the summit of the legendary Wyoming ski resort. From the top, skiers and access some gourmet waffles in Corbet’s Cabin or take on one of many advanced and expert trails, including Corbet’s Couloir. The ride itself is high energy, with music bumping the entire way up.
2. Peak 2 Peak Gondola – Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is an engineering marvel on its own, stretching 2.7 miles while connecting the high alpine of Whistler and Blackcomb. It features the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind at 1.88 miles, sits 1,427 feet above the valley floor, and is part of the world’s longest continuous lift system, connecting 3 high speed gondolas. If you’re afraid of heights, this ride might be a bit intense for you.
3. Snowbird Tram – Snowbird, Utah
If you’re looking to ski some of the best powder in the United States, Snowbird is a great place to find it. The Snowbird Tram is nearly as iconic as the ski resort itself, taking riders up to 11,000 feet in a 1.6-mile, 10-minute trip. At the top, skiers, snowboarders, and anyone else who rode up can enjoy some food at the highest restaurant in Utah before descending through some unbelievable snow (when the weather is right, of course).
4. Lone Peak Tram – Big Ski Resort, Montana
A ride up the Lone Peak Tram takes skiers, snowboarders, and foot traffic to the stunning Kircliff observation deck, a stunning two-story glass viewpoint that reaches out over the surrounding terrain at 11,166 feet. Those who plan to ski down after a ride on this lift have access to some of the countries hardest terrain, including the remarkable Big Couloir which requires you to sign out with ski patrol before hitting.
5. The Single Chair – Mad River Glen, Vermont
This is the only actual chairlift on the list and it’s the only East Coast lift, but it deserves its spot both for how unique it is and how beloved it is. The Single Chair at Mad River Glen is one of just a handful of single-rider chairlifts left in the world, first opening on December 11th, 1948. When given the opportunity to replace it with a more modern and less expensive double chair, the mountain’s co-op shareholders instead chose to restore the incredible lift.
