Angel Fire Resort has reached another major milestone in the construction of what will become New Mexico’s first high speed six pack chairlift. The resort announced on Friday, July 24, that the new Angel Express successfully completed load testing, bringing the project one step closer to opening in time for the 2026 and 2027 winter season. The successful test is one of the final steps before the lift enters service.
Load Testing Completed Successfully
The Angel Fire Lift Maintenance team worked alongside engineers from Leitner Poma and Summit Install to conduct a full load test on the new lift. The process involved filling buckets with water and placing them on the lift to simulate a full passenger load.
The testing evaluated the chairlift’s primary electric motors along with its backup diesel engines and braking systems. Resort officials said each component performed as expected during the inspection. With load testing now complete, the resort is finishing the remaining paperwork and approval process before the lift is cleared for operation ahead of the upcoming ski season.
New Lift Will Increase Comfort And Efficiency
The Angel Express is expected to modernize one of the resort’s key uphill transportation routes. High speed detachable chairlifts reduce ride times compared to fixed grip lifts while offering smoother loading and unloading for guests. The new lift stretches 5,342 feet up the mountain and climbs 887 vertical feet. It is designed to travel at speeds of 1,000 feet per minute while carrying up to 1,800 riders each hour.
The installation includes a 500 horsepower drive system, 15 towers, and 56 six passenger chairs. The primary drive is located at the top terminal with tension systems positioned at both the top and bottom of the lift.
Ready For Winter
With the successful completion of load testing, Angel Fire Resort is entering the final stages before commissioning the new chairlift. Once final approvals are secured, the Angel Express will be ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders during the upcoming winter season.
The project is notable for both Angel Fire Resort itself and for skiing in New Mexico as the state prepares to debut its first high speed six pack chairlift. The new installation is expected to improve uphill capacity, reduce wait times, and provide a faster ride for visitors throughout the winter.