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The Supreme chairlift at Alta Ski Area in Utah earned a spot among the top 10 chairlifts in the western United States.
Photo: Alta Ski Area
This series covers the "top 10" chairlifts-- not including trams or gondolas-- at ski resorts in the western United States. This top 10 list admittedly is highly subjective. These are not necessarily the highest or longest lifts, but they are all memorable and special for the skiers who ride them. Click on the links below to learn more about each of these fabulous rides.
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Top 10 western U.S. chairlifts |
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No. 1: KT-22 Express at Squaw Valley No matter how beloved, a chairlift is not a cuddly thing. KT-22 Express at Squaw Valley USA, however, is so revered that it has a namesake mascot, KT the Bear, to handle all of the warm and fuzzy hugs. On the other hand, KT-22 dishes out tough terrain at the California resort. |
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The number 23 reminds basketball fans of Michael Jordan or LeBron James for the younger generation. For skiers, 23 brings to mind Chair 23 at Mammoth Mountain, the signature chairlift at the massive California resort. |
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No. 3: Pallavicini at Arapahoe Basin If the Supreme lift at Alta Ski Area (at No. 4 on this list) is Utah’s throwback favorite, the Pallavicini chairlift at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area may be Colorado’s answer. |
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The Supreme lift cannot claim speed, elevation or vertical superlatives, but like Alta Ski Area where it is found, Supreme has a special appeal not measured by statistics. |
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No. 5: Loge Peak at Aspen Highlands The Loge Peak high-speed quad chairlift gives skiers a couple of good options: keep heading up on foot to Highland Bowl or go back down the enticing terrain on the layout’s frontside for another lap. |
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No. 6: Sublette Quad at Jackson Hole Jackson Hole Mountain Resort comes up in nearly every discussion of the best expert terrain the United States. While the way down at Jackson Hole is steep, the best chairlift to take on the way up is the Sublette Quad Chair. |
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No. 7: Big Mountain Express at Whitefish Chair 1 Big Mountain Express lives up to its name by accessing Big Mountain, a 6,817-foot peak overlooking Whitefish, Mont. The resort, itself, was known as Big Mountain Resort until 2007 when the name was changed to Whitefish Mountain Resort. |
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No. 8: American Flyer at Copper Mountain The American Flyer high-speed quad at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado may be the best beginner lift in the country. |
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No. 9: Grouse Mountain Express at Beaver Creek The Grouse Mountain Express Lift defies a stereotype. Beaver Creek Resort is often thought of as Colorado's answer to Deer Valley. Fortunately for skiers who enjoy a bumpier ride, the grooming snowcats generally stay away from Grouse Mountain. The result is some of the best bump skiing in the country. |
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No. 10: John Paul Express Quad at Snowbasin The John Paul Express Quad climbs 2,424 vertical feet to access most of the 2002 Olympic men's and women's downhill courses, plus an abundance of advanced and expert terrain. |
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Highest Elevation; Longest; Most Vertical; For Beginners; For Intermediates; For Experts; For Bumps |
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For Views; For Trees; Best Theme; Biggest Turn; For Late-season Skiing; Top Non-chair Lifts |
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Top 10 Ski Chairlifts in the Western United States Photo Slideshow |
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Best of the Rest Ski Chairlifts Photo Slideshow |
Comments
I urge to consider Winter Park's Panoramic Express lift. All of Vasquez Cirque becomes accessible, the views are incredible, and even an intermediate skier can enjoy riding this chair. Most importantly, it's comfortable and new, who doesn't want that!
Stef-- I agree... Panoramic Express was in the running for the top 10. As a consolation prize, it did earn a mention in Best of the Rest Part 2 under Best Views.
I reccomend Moonlight Basin's "Six Shooter" lift for consideration. Six Shooter, affectionately nick-named "The Flying Couch" by locals, is Montana's only high speed six-person chairlift. It whips you from the Madison Base Area to the treeline just above Stillwater Bowl (8,700' in length & 1,850' vertical) in just 9 minutes! Scenic views are abound on the way up, & because the chairs are rarely filled to capacity w/ 6 skiers, you'l have plenty of room to stretch out on the way up the mountain. I must say, it sounds like a top 10 lift to me, don't you agree?
I was surprised to see no mention of Sol Vista's Milestone Lift, which gives quick access to all of Lone Pine Bowl. Otherwise, keep up the great work!
Great list. To be honest, I expected it to be awful, but I agree with most of these selections. John Paul is my personal fave. Snowbasin is my home mountain and JP and the Tram are the only places to be on a pow day.
Way to go Supreme. #4 on the list. Alta is awesome,
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