Windsor Chairlift Replacement Fully Funded, Construction Set for Spring, 2027
Mt. Ashland Ski Area is celebrating a historic milestone in its effort to secure the future of alpine recreation in Southern Oregon. Thanks to an extraordinary outpouring of generosity from individuals, families, foundations, and businesses throughout the region, the nonprofit Mt. Ashland Association (MAA) is proud to announce that the Windsor Chairlift Replacement is officially fully funded.
The $3.56 million replacement is under contract with chairlift manufacturer Skytrac, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2027 following the conclusion of the 2026/27 winter season. The new fixed-grip triple chairlift is expected to be operational for the 2027/28 ski season.
The announcement marks a monumental achievement for the community ski area, which has spent years working toward replacing two of its oldest and most critical pieces of infrastructure through its Elevate Mt. Ashland Chairlift Replacement Project.
“This is an incredible moment for Mt. Ashland and for our entire Southern Oregon community,” said Rachel Canada, General Manager of Mt. Ashland Ski Area. “Windsor Chairlift has served generations of skiers and snowboarders for nearly five decades, and replacing it is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in our mountain’s history. To know that our community came together to make this possible is truly remarkable. This is more than a new chairlift. It’s an investment in the future of Mt. Ashland and the generations of families who will continue to call this mountain their own.”
Originally installed in 1978, Windsor Chairlift provides access to nearly all of Mt. Ashland’s intermediate terrain and plays a vital role in distributing guests throughout the mountain. After 48 years of service, the aging lift has reached a critical point in its operational lifespan, making its replacement essential to the Ski Area’s long-term sustainability.
The new Skytrac fixed-grip triple chairlift will follow Windsor’s existing alignment and feature updated technology designed to improve reliability, operational efficiency, and the overall guest experience. While the lift’s uphill capacity is expected to remain comparable, the triple-seat configuration will allow more guests to ride each chair, helping improve loading efficiency and reduce congestion. The new, heavier chairs are also expected to provide greater stability in windy conditions.
A Community That Came Together to Make History
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Mt. Ashland Association relies on the continued support of its season passholders, guests, and community partners to sustain operations. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, Mt. Ashland is also able to expand recreational opportunities and invest in critical infrastructure improvements that help secure the mountain’s future. This successful fundraising effort is an extraordinary example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together around a shared purpose.
Mt. Ashland Association extends its deepest gratitude to The Karen and Sid DeBoer Foundation, Lithia Motors, and The Bernard Family, whose remarkable generosity and leadership helped make this transformational project possible.
The Karen and Sid DeBoer Foundation’s generous matching pledge, inspired additional community contributions and accelerated fundraising efforts and their commitment, alongside the tremendous generosity of Lithia Motors and The Bernard Family, played an instrumental role in bringing the Windsor Chairlift Replacement Project across the finish line.
The Association also recognizes the significant contributions of RF5 Properties, the Laurel Spartan Foundation, Carrico Family Foundation, Zaffaroni Foundation, Annette and Andy Batzer, Sue and Steve Lawrence, and Alan DeBoer.
Additional heartfelt thanks go to Curtis Robertson, Frank and Joan Rote, Philip and Simone Smith, The Smelcer Family, Blair and Carol Moody, Brian and Julia Beattie, Satellite Specialized, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, along with the hundreds of individuals, families, local businesses, and community partners who supported the campaign.
Every contribution, regardless of size, played a role in reaching this milestone. From major philanthropic gifts and foundation support to individual donations, community outreach, and the countless individuals who helped spread the word, the successful campaign reflects the collective commitment of Southern Oregon to preserving its community ski area.
“When we launched this campaign, we knew the challenge ahead of us was significant, but we also knew how deeply this community cares about Mt. Ashland,” said Gabby Conner, Marketing Manager for Mt. Ashland Ski Area. “To see individuals, families, and businesses step forward to help secure our mountain’s future has been incredibly moving. Every donation, every introduction, and every person who shared our story helped bring us to this moment. This achievement belongs to our entire community, and we cannot thank them enough for believing in Mt. Ashland.”
Preserving the Mountain for Future Generations
For more than 60 years, Mt. Ashland has been a place where Southern Oregon families have gathered, children have learned to ski and snowboard, and generations of outdoor enthusiasts have developed lifelong connections to the mountains.
Beyond winter recreation, Mt. Ashland contributes an estimated $9.9 million annually to the regional economy, employs more than 250 seasonal workers, and supports more than 100 local businesses, partners, artists, restaurants, lodging providers, and vendors. Through partnerships with more than 35 schools, the Ski Area also helps introduce approximately 1,400 youth to alpine recreation each year and provides $25,000 in annual youth scholarships.
Replacing Windsor Chairlift is an investment not only in Mt. Ashland’s infrastructure, but also in the accessibility of outdoor recreation, the vitality of the regional economy, and the opportunities available to future generations.
What’s Next for Windsor Chairlift?
Windsor Chairlift will continue operating through the 2026/27 winter season before being retired and removed in spring 2027.
Construction of the new chairlift will begin following the winter season, with Skytrac overseeing the installation of the new fixed-grip triple chairlift. The replacement will maintain Windsor’s existing footprint and alignment, preserving access to the mountain’s beloved intermediate terrain.
As Mt. Ashland prepares to retire Windsor after nearly five decades of service, the Ski Area also plans to give community members an opportunity to own a piece of its history. A portion of the original lift chairs will be made available through a future auction, with details regarding pricing, availability, and the auction process to be announced in advance.
Individuals with commemorative plaques on existing Windsor chairs will be contacted directly as plans for the lift’s removal are finalized. Additional components from the original chairlift will be preserved and repurposed as decorative and historical keepsakes throughout the Ski Area.
The Next Chapter: Ariel Chairlift Replacement
While the completion of Windsor’s fundraising campaign is a significant achievement, the work to secure Mt. Ashland’s long-term future continues.
The second phase of the Elevate Mt. Ashland Chairlift Replacement Project will focus on replacing Ariel Chairlift, originally installed in 1964 and now more than 60 years old.
Mt. Ashland Association plans to replace Ariel with a new Skytrac fixed-grip triple chairlift in spring 2028. The project is currently estimated at $4.4 million, although costs remain subject to inflation and final contracting.
The replacement will feature adjustments to the existing terminal locations, improving the guest experience while maintaining access to the mountain’s upper terrain. An additional protective enclosure is planned for 2029 to help shield the upper terminal from wind and rime ice, improving operational reliability in challenging alpine conditions.
Fundraising efforts will now continue in support of Ariel’s replacement, building on the remarkable momentum established by the Windsor campaign.
“Windsor is an incredible first step, but our work isn’t finished,” said Canada. “Ariel is just as important to the future of Mt. Ashland, and we’re hopeful that the momentum and generosity we’ve experienced through this campaign will carry us through the next phase. Together, we have an opportunity to ensure this mountain continues serving Southern Oregon for generations to come.”
Mt. Ashland Association invites the community to celebrate this historic achievement and continue supporting the next chapter of the Elevate Mt. Ashland Chairlift Replacement Project.
To learn more about the project:
https://www.mtashland.com/2026-capital-projects-chairlift-replacements/
To support the Ariel Chairlift Replacement:
https://www.mtashland.com/donate/?keyword=chairdonation