LEITNER-POMA AND SKYTRAC TO MANUFACTURE NEXT-GENERATION SURFACE LIFTS IN NORTH AMERICA

In a major move aimed at stabilizing local supply chains and lowering infrastructure costs for ski resorts, sister companies Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA) and Skytrac have announced a joint manufacturing initiative: a next-generation series of surface lifts designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely within North America.

The decision marks a strategic pivot for the ropeway giants, moving away from a traditional reliance on European-imported components for surface lifts, such as T-bars, platter lifts, and conveyor systems. The new lineup will be tailored exclusively to meet the mechanical demands, climate realities, and operational standards of North American ski areas.

Insulation from Global Supply Pressures

The timing of the initiative addresses a primary pain point for mountain resort operators. Over the last several seasons, the ski industry has faced immense volatility due to fluctuating global supply chains, international shipping backlogs, transatlantic freight costs, and unpredictable steel tariffs.

By shifting the complete design and manufacturing pipeline closer to home, Leitner-Poma and Skytrac aim to insulate their clients from external economic pressures. Resort operators can expect streamlined delivery timelines, fixed domestic shipping rates, and a significantly more reliable path from the initial order placement to final winter installation.

Prioritizing Reliability and Value

The new series of surface lifts is engineered with a focus on simplicity, rugged durability, and long-term serviceability. By avoiding overly complex, imported electronics or proprietary European parts that can cause maintenance delays, the domestic systems are designed to be easily serviced by local mountain mechanics using readily available regional parts.

Carl Skylling, President of Skytrac, emphasized that the initiative represents a return to practical, high-performance engineering tailored for everyday operations.

“These lifts are about getting back to what matters most for our customers—reliability, efficiency, and value,” Skylling said in a statement. “By designing and building these systems here in North America, we’re able to simplify the process, control costs, and deliver solutions that are aligned with how our partners operate day in and day out.”

Timeline to the Slopes

Development of the new product line is already heavily underway at the companies’ North American production facilities. The strategic goal is to have the new surface lift series fully vetted, certified, and ready for commercial deployment beginning in the summer of 2027. Industry analysts view this as an important step toward keeping lift installations accessible and cost-effective for smaller, community-oriented ski hills as well as mega-resorts looking for efficient beginner-zone expansions.

While full technical specifications are being kept under wraps for now, resort operators won't have to wait long for a first glimpse.