Mt. Ashland Ski Area is undertaking a transformative infrastructure project to replace its aging Ariel and Windsor Chairlifts, which are vital components of the Mountain’s lift system. Originally installed over 45 years ago, these lifts have served the Mountain and its visitors for decades but are now outdated, increasingly costly to maintain, and less efficient by modern standards. The replacement project will install two new fixed-grip triple chairlifts that will enhance access to key terrain, reduce lift lines, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a consistent and comfortable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. In addition, these modern lifts will be more energy-efficient and resilient to wind and weather. 

The story of the Windsor Chairlift began in 1977 with plans to put in a Triple Fixed Grip. Shortly upon breaking group, Mt. Ashland Ski Area (for lack of a better term) ran out of funding and had to halt construction and rethink their plans. In January of 1978, a team of Mt. Ashland staff traveled to Sierra-at-Tahoe to inspect their newly installed, green, Yan Double Chair. Almost a year later, Windsor Chairlift was introduced to Mt. Ashland Ski Area, replacing the beloved T-Bar Lift that had been in service since the Ski Area’s opening in 1964. Parts arrived and construction began in April of 1978 and by the winter of that same year, the forest green, Yan double-seat, 9-tower chairlift was up and running and loading public.

For 4 decades, Windsor Chairlift has been a vital part of the Mt. Ashland experience, often regarded as the portal to the Mountain. While Ariel has garnered fame for serving the most challenging terrain, Windsor has been the heart and soul of the Ski Area, providing access to a majority of the Mountain. Thanks to years of careful maintenance and timely upgrades, Windsor continues to operate reliably, though, like all things, it is showing signs of age. We’re confident it will serve us well for at least the next two seasons before it makes way for its successor.

As you ride Windsor in its final years, take a moment to appreciate the Chairlift that’s seen it all—the good, the bad, and the best. Give it a little extra love and a pat while it takes you for a ride. It’s earned it for all it’s done for your Local Mountain Playground.

The Removal

The Windsor Chairlift replacement includes the complete removal of the existing above-ground structure and construction of a new chairlift in the same alignment and footprint. Specifically, this project would entail complete removal of the existing chairlift, including towers, drive and return terminals and associated foundations and operator structures. The installation of the new chairlift would include towers within the same chairlift corridor, base and top terminals and associated foundations and operator structures.

The Installation and Logistics

The project area for the Windsor Chairlift replacement would be approximately 6.5 acres. Ground disturbance (approximately 2.5 acres) would be limited to lift terminal areas and tower footprints within the previously disturbed corridor. Approximately 1.7 acres of tree removal would occur to maintain a safe lift corridor width of 150 feet. Existing access roads may need maintenance to access worksites. Equipment used for this project would include trucks and trailers, mid-size excavator, spider excavator, and a 5-ton telescopic forklift. A 60-ton crane would be used at the bottom terminal. A helicopter would be used to install towers located on limited access terrain.

Timing

The duration of this project would be approximately 8 months and would be initiated in May 2026. Conservation measures would be followed to ensure that the project would have limited impacts on physical and biological resources, by limiting erosion, effects on flowering resources, and the spread of invasive species.

As an ode to the original Windsor Chairlift, the mechanical enclosure for the bottom terminal of the new chairlift will be the iconic forest green.