As the 2024–25 ski season winds down across much of the Northern Hemisphere, attention is already shifting to next winter. While the snow may have melted, ski resorts remain active, using the off-season to focus on upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and future planning. Among the most significant developments: a wave of new ski lifts coming online for the 2025–26 season.
According to data from skiresort.info, a total of 258 new ski lifts are scheduled to begin operations across the globe next season. These include both entirely new installations and upgrades of existing systems. The range of lift types is broad, encompassing trams, gondolas, high-speed detachable chairlifts, combined systems (chair and gondola), T-bars, rope tows, and surface lifts.
The new lift projects span five continents, with Europe and North America leading the way. Together, these two regions account for 240 of the planned installations.
In North America, 40 ski resorts are slated to construct 58 new lifts. This includes eight gondolas, 44 high-speed chairlifts, and five T-bars. Utah is expected to see major upgrades at several of its premier resorts.
At Park City Mountain Resort, plans include a new 10-person gondola, an 8-person high-speed lift, and a 6-person high-speed lift. These additions are projected to increase lift capacity by 9,000 people per hour.
Deer Valley Resort is also investing heavily in lift infrastructure. The resort is preparing to install seven new lifts: one 10-person gondola, one 6-person high-speed lift, and five 4-person high-speed lifts. Combined, these lifts are expected to boost capacity by 15,000 people per hour.
While skiers and snowboarders may be enjoying summer sports like mountain biking, hiking, or kayaking during the off-season, the ski industry is already working hard to enhance the mountain experience for next winter. With hundreds of new lifts on the horizon, the 2025–26 season is shaping up to be more efficient—and exciting—than ever.