The United States has some very high-altitude skiing when compared to the rest of the world, especially in Colorado. With some resorts featuring hike-access terrain above 13,000 feet when the conditions are right, beating Colorado’s altitude can be tough. However to find the highest ski lift in the world, you’d have to travel to India.
5 Highest Lift Access Skiing In The World
1. Gulmarg Ski Resort, India – 13,057 feet
The highest lift access skiing in the world is located at Gulmarg Ski Resort in India, with the area’s gondola reaching up to 3,980 meters, or just under 13,058 feet. There’s actually just a few lifts at this resort, the gondola and 4 surface lifts around the nearby golf course for beginner skiing.
2. Breckenridge, Colorado – 12,840 feet
The Imperial Express Superchair at Breckenridge is the highest ski lift in North America, reaching up to 12,840 feet. The lift stretches 2,714 feet, bringing skiers and snowboarders within 100 vertical feet of the summit of Peak 8.
3. Zermatt, Switzerland – 12,739 feet
At 3,883 meters above sea level, or 12,739.5 feet, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt provides an incredibly unique high-altitude experience. Both the Matterhorn Glacier Ride and the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II reach to that height, with the new 3S gondola lift completing an incredible round trip around the Matterhorn.
4. Loveland Ski Area, Colorado – 12,700 feet
The top of Loveland’s Lift 9, the 4th highest ski lift in the world and the 2nd highest in North America, sits at 12,700 feet. Nearly the entire area is accessible from this point, if you’re willing to do a bit of hiking. If you look out into the distance, you’ll even be able to spot Breckenridge, home to the tallest lift in North America.
5. Mt Elbrus Resort, Russia – 12,621 feet
This resort sits on the slopes of Russia’s highest mountain, though its highest lift reaches nowhere near the summit. Mt. Elbrus’s Garabashi Gondola reaches up to 3,847 meters, or just over 12,621 feet.
NOTE: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in China is often pointed to as the highest lift accessed ski area in the world, but it’s unclear if skiing is even offered on this mountain. If it is allowed, it doesn’t appear to be supported.
