Beloved Lift To Be Replaced at New Mexico Ski Area

Yahoo

21-06-2025

The historic and rare 47-year-old detachable surface lift at Sipapu Ski Area, New Mexico, will soon be replaced by a new fixed-grip two-person chairlift that the ski area says will make accessing the slopes quicker and easier, particularly for beginners.Lift #3 services two terrain parks and two unique beginner trails. But that terrain, according to Sipapu, was hard to reach, and often untouched because of the aging surface lift.'If you've skied Lift 3 before, you know: that entire area is magical. It's on the upper part of the mountain, with wider runs and opportunities to lap beginner trails that are very different from those on the rest of the resort,' said Sipapu's general manager, John Paul Bradley.The chairlift replacement, Bradley added, will create a new 'way for our guests to now experience terrain they haven't really explored because they simply couldn't ride the surface lift.'Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates.
The original Lift #3 was first installed at Sipapu in 1978, according to Forest Service documentation. Then, in 2001, it was relocated to its current location and terrain pod. This diesel-powered, detachable ropeway was one of the last of its kind in North America. The Forest Service document said that in addition to wanting to create a more beginner-friendly experience, Sipapu was having a hard time finding replacement parts.The project upgrade was developed alongside the U.S. Forest Service under Sipapu's Master Development Plan, according to the ski area.'This was a win-win for everyone: our guests, our local Forest Service and our resort. We're grateful,' said Bradley.The under-construction two-seater is Sipapu's fifth new lift since 2001 and its second in under a decade. The ski area expects the Lift #3 upgrade will be completed in time for the upcoming ski season.Further investments into Sipapu's Lift #3 area are underway, totaling more than $1 million. The ski area plans to install a new skier services deck and more restrooms, as well as burying its snowmaking infrastructure.'These projects will allow guests to enjoy the upper mountain without needing to return to the base for food or restrooms,' said Bradley. 'That's going to be a game-changer for families with young children.'Beloved Lift To Be Replaced at New Mexico Ski Area first appeared on Powder on Jun 20, 2025