Mt. Ashland Ski Area is set to debut its new Lithia Chairlift on December 14, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., marking a significant milestone for the resort. This is the first chairlift to open at the ski area in over 35 years and is expected to enhance the mountain experience for both new and seasoned skiers and snowboarders. The Lithia Chairlift will serve as a revival of easier terrain, reminiscent of the early days of the mountain’s history when the Poma surface lift offered a simpler path to the slopes.
Manufactured by SkyTrac, a leader in chairlift production, the Lithia Chair features a 5-tower, fixed-grip, triple-seat design and incorporates cutting-edge technology, including an all-electric auxiliary motor—a rare feature in the U.S. chairlift industry. SkyTrac is renowned for its work at some of the country’s most iconic ski areas, including Jackson Hole, Park City Mountain, and Alta Ski Area. The company has now brought its expertise to Mt. Ashland, bringing the resort’s infrastructure into the 21st century.
The Lithia Chair will primarily serve the resort’s Easy and More Difficult terrain, helping to provide a smoother learning progression for novice skiers and snowboarders. Located just below the lodge, near the Center Stage Terrain Park, skiers will access the lift by skiing down Aisle 1. The ride itself takes just 90 seconds and will bring guests to the top of the Sonnet slope, where they can access all the trails that flow down from this area in every direction.
The addition of the Lithia Chair provides easy access to Poma, a more difficult run, which has been made even more accessible through this new lift. Furthermore, Mt. Ashland is renaming the Lodge Poma trail to Lupine, marking the beginning of an evolution in the resort’s terrain. A future easy trail, Bumblebee, is also included in the current master plan, offering further options for beginner skiers. The Lithia Chair is designed to be more resilient to higher winds, which sometimes affect the operation of the Sonnet Chairlift.
Looking ahead, Mt. Ashland has plans to enhance the resort’s offerings with night skiing. The trails Poma, Lupine, and Bumblebee are all set to be illuminated for evening operations in the 2025-2026 season. The terrain will also provide designated areas for the Elementary and Middle School Alpine Teams to practice and race, and will later host adult race leagues once the lighting is installed.
“This chairlift is a game-changer for our guests,” said Andrew Gast, General Manager of Mt. Ashland. “It’s going to improve access to new learning terrain and enhance the overall experience for our community, whether they’re beginners or experienced skiers.”
The project has been years in the making, with initial plans drawn up in 2004 as part of the ski area’s Master Development Plan. The resort worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service beginning in 2022 to complete all necessary environmental surveys. SkyTrac broke ground on September 1, 2024, and completed the construction in just 54 days, with rigorous testing and safety inspections taking place before the lift was cleared for operation.
The Lithia Chair project was made possible by the largest gift in Mt. Ashland’s history, a $2 million donation from the Sid & Karen Deboer Foundation, along with an additional $500,000 contribution from the Deboers.
Named after the famous Lithia Springs that have drawn visitors to Ashland for over a century, the Lithia Chairlift honors the area’s tourism roots. While Mt. Ashland has traditionally used Shakespeare-themed names, the resort has broken with tradition in this instance, choosing to honor the local history instead. The name Lithia is a nod to the community’s deep connection to its natural springs, which helped shape the region’s cultural and economic development.
Mt. Ashland Ski Area, a nonprofit under the operation of the Mt. Ashland Association, is committed to providing and promoting healthy alpine recreation. The ski area operates under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, continuing its mission to offer a welcoming environment for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.