Sugarbush Resort Plans Major Lift Upgrade for 2025-26 Season

Sugarbush Resort  has announced that it intends to replace its oldest chairlift ahead of the 2026-27 ski season, marking the latest infrastructure investment by owner Alterra Mountain Company at the storied Vermont destination.

The project, which remains subject to state regulatory approval, would retire the resort's longest-serving lift and install modern high-speed equipment designed to improve uphill capacity and reduce wait times during peak periods.

The $10 million project, slated for construction in the spring of 2027, is subject to Vermont state regulatory approval. If greenlit, the new lift—a Doppelmayr UNI-G detachable quad—is expected to be operational for the 2027–28 winter season, marking a major milestone in the modernization of the Mt. Ellen side of the resort.

The current North Ridge Express has a storied and somewhat nomadic history. Originally installed in 1990 as the "Green Mountain Express" on a different part of the mountain, it was relocated to its current alignment in 1995. Now 36 years old, it stands as the 7th oldest detachable chairlift in New England

"This upgrade represents our ongoing commitment to providing world-class skiing experiences while honoring Sugarbush's rich heritage," said resort officials in a statement. "We're working closely with state regulators to ensure the project meets all environmental and safety standards."

Sugarbush, which Alterra acquired as part of its growing portfolio of North American ski resorts, has been gradually modernizing its lift infrastructure in recent years. The planned replacement would address equipment that has served skiers for decades but no longer meets current demand or efficiency standards.

Because major lift projects in Vermont are subject to environmental and safety review, the upgrade must clear state oversight before any significant on-mountain work begins. Sugarbush said it intends to work closely with regulators to ensure the project meets all applicable standards while minimizing impacts on surrounding terrain and nearby communities.

For Sugarbush's loyal skier base, the upgrade promises shorter lift lines and improved access to the mountain's renowned terrain. The resort emphasized that skiing operations would continue normally during the approval process and throughout the 2026-27 season if construction timelines permit summer installation.

Resort officials framed the planned replacement as part of a broader, long-term investment strategy under Alterra, which has poured money into lift and snowmaking improvements across its portfolio of North American mountains. They said the new chair is expected to enhance the guest experience on busy weekends and holidays, when the older lift has been more prone to delays and congestion.

Alterra Mountain Company, which operates the Ikon Pass and owns numerous resorts across North America, has made infrastructure investment a priority across its properties.