For more than six decades, generations of Southern Oregon residents have made memories on the slopes of Mt. Ashland, learning to ski, attending youth programs, and gathering with family and friends in one of the region’s most recognizable outdoor destinations. Now, the nonprofit organization that operates the ski area is moving forward with an ambitious effort to replace two of its most heavily used chairlifts, a project leaders say is essential to the mountain’s long-term future.
Mt. Ashland Ski Area has received approval from the U.S. Forest Service to proceed with plans to replace the Ariel and Windsor chairlifts, two aging pieces of infrastructure that provide access to more than half of the mountain’s terrain. The project represents one of the most significant capital improvements in the ski area’s history and comes as the organization renews fundraising efforts to secure the remaining dollars needed for construction.
According to Mt. Ashland Association, the Windsor Chairlift is scheduled for replacement in 2027, followed by Ariel in 2028. The existing lifts were originally installed in 1964 and 1978 and have served thousands of skiers and snowboarders over the decades.
The nonprofit first launched its Chairlift Replacement Campaign in 2025 but was unable to raise enough funding to complete the Windsor replacement during the summer of 2026. The organization is now seeking to raise more than $1.87 million before May 2027 to complete the next phase of the project while continuing separate fundraising efforts for Ariel’s replacement.
“Replacing these lifts is critical to the long-term future of our Ski Area,” said Gabby Conner, marketing manager for Mt. Ashland Ski Area. “Mt. Ashland Association is committed to serving the Rogue Valley for generations to come, and every dollar contributed by our mountain community will directly support these essential infrastructure upgrades and be a part of making history.”
While the lifts remain operational and are expected to continue serving guests during the 2026-27 winter season, ski area officials say inspections have identified significant concerns with the Windsor lift. A critical component has reached the end of its service life, and repair costs could exceed several million dollars. Windsor operated only intermittently during the 2025-26 season, logging just 17 days of service.
Officials say the reduced usage has allowed the lift to remain in operation for another season, but the risk of a prolonged shutdown remains a serious concern. The organization estimates that losing Windsor could cost the ski area more than $1 million annually in revenue and operational impacts, creating substantial challenges for the nonprofit operation.
Beyond recreation, Mt. Ashland serves as an economic contributor throughout Southern Oregon. The ski area estimates its annual economic impact at approximately $9 million and employs more than 250 seasonal workers. It also supports youth recreation through scholarship programs and outdoor education opportunities, providing more than $50,000 in scholarships annually for over 1,400 participants in programs such as the Student Learn to Ski & Ride Program and Alpine Adventure Camps.
The fundraising campaign recently received a significant boost from the Karen & Sid DeBoer Foundation, which pledged a $500,000 matching contribution. The matching grant allows community donations to have double the impact as organizers work toward their fundraising goals.
When completed, the replacement lifts are expected to improve reliability, reduce wait times, increase weather resilience, and provide more consistent access to terrain across the mountain. The new Skytrac fixed-grip triple chairlifts will also offer improved energy efficiency and greater resistance to high winds and harsh winter conditions.
Under current plans, Windsor’s existing double-seat lift will be replaced in the same alignment beginning in 2027. Ariel’s replacement is scheduled for 2028 and will include a slight relocation of the upper terminal along with a protective structure designed to shield equipment from wind and rime ice.
Looking ahead, Mt. Ashland officials say some of the original chairlift seats may be auctioned after retirement, with proceeds supporting the overall replacement project.
“These chairlifts impact far more than skiers and snowboarders,” Conner said. “They support youth programs, summer recreation, local businesses, tourism, and the broader outdoor culture of Southern Oregon.”
As fundraising efforts continue, supporters of the mountain are being asked to help preserve a resource that has been part of the Southern Oregon landscape for more than 60 years, ensuring future generations have the same opportunities to experience the region’s iconic winter destination.