Mt. Ashland Launches $1.87 Million Community Fundraising Push for s Windsor Chairlift Replacement

The Mt. Ashland Association has announced a revised timeline for its major infrastructure upgrades, postponing the planned replacement of the historic Windsor Chairlift to the spring of 2027.

The nonprofit ski area originally hoped to begin construction sooner, but fell short of raising the necessary capital in time for a 2026 installation. The association is now turning to the local community to raise the remaining $1.87 million needed to secure the project's future.

Under the updated master plan, work on the Windsor Chairlift will commence in spring 2027, followed by the replacement of the Ariel Chairlift in 2028.

Preserving Accessibility and Community Operations

Operating as a community-owned nonprofit, Mt. Ashland relies on operational revenue—such as lift tickets and season passes—to cover day-to-day costs, including competitive employee wages, rising insurance premiums, and routine mountain maintenance. Consequently, large-scale capital projects like lift replacements depend almost entirely on donor support and community fundraising.

Mountain officials emphasized that replacing the aging Windsor Chairlift is critical to maintaining the ski area's long-term viability and ensuring reliable access for future generations of winter sports enthusiasts.

$500,000 Matching Grant Challenge

To help bridge the funding gap, the Karen & Sid DeBoer Foundation has stepped forward with a $500,000 matching grant. The pledge doubles the impact of all new community donations made toward the chairlift fund up to the $500,000 threshold.

"Mt. Ashland is more than a ski area. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, spend time with loved ones, challenge ourselves, and build community," the association shared in a statement to supporters. "The reality is that replacing Windsor Chairlift is essential to Mt. Ashland’s future. We can’t afford to wait any longer."

How to Support

Community members, local businesses, and donors looking to contribute to the lift replacement campaign can double their impact through the matching grant by visiting mtashland.com/donate.