Sun Valley Plans Two New Lifts For 26-7 Season

Sun Valley Resort has announced significant upgrades to its Bald Mountain ski area, with plans to install two new high-speed lifts for the 2026-2027 winter season. This initiative is part of a broader, multi-year enhancement plan aimed at modernizing infrastructure and improving the guest experience.

The two lifts slated for replacement are the Lookout Express and Christmas chairlifts. The Lookout Express, currently a detachable quad, will be upgraded to a detachable six-person lift, significantly increasing uphill capacity and reducing wait times. The Christmas chairlift, also a detachable quad, will be replaced with a newer, high-speed detachable quad. Both existing lifts date back to 1993 and 1988, respectively.

Pete Sonntag, COO of Sun Valley Resort, emphasized the importance of these investments. "The replacement of Christmas and Lookout Express chairlifts will ensure fast, reliable access to some of Sun Valley's best terrain for many years to come," Sonntag stated. He added that these upgrades, alongside other proposed infrastructure improvements, are intended to "modernize critical infrastructure, as well as provide greater access to more of the mountain."

These projects follow a series of recent lift upgrades at Sun Valley, including the new Challenger and Flying Squirrel lifts in 2023, and an upgraded Seattle Ridge lift that debuted in 2024. By the winter of 2026-2027, Sun Valley will have replaced five of its seven Yan detachable quads installed between 1988 and 1994. The remaining two, Frenchman's and River Run, are also undergoing replacement scoping, with no set timeline yet.

The comprehensive proposal, which includes these lift replacements, a new shared lift maintenance building near the summit of both lifts, and trail improvements, is currently awaiting approvals from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Sun Valley Resort is committed to working in partnership with these agencies and the local community throughout the environmental review process. A community open house and public comment opportunity was held on Monday, July 21st, at the Community Library.

Beyond the lifts, the resort's long-term vision also encompasses potential future replacements for the River Run and Frenchman's lifts, as well as broader infrastructure enhancements like upgrades to snowmaking, domestic water, and electrical power systems. Additionally, the proposal includes plans to allow e-bike access on all mountain bike trails in the future, further expanding recreational offerings.

These ongoing developments underscore Sun Valley's dedication to maintaining its reputation as a premier mountain destination while ensuring a sustainable future for its operations.