Industry News
After nearly a decade of rattling rides and wear-and-tear on equipment, Alta Ski Area is set to realign its Supreme lift to eliminate the infamous 8-degree bend that has defined the lift’s route since 2017. The resort announced this month that it will reconfigure the lift to run in a straight line for the 2025–26 ski season, removing the mid-route curve that engineers say has contributed to “accelerated metal fatigue” on the chairs and grips, as reported by the Salt Lake Tribune. The U.S. Forest Service approved the realignment in March, and an Alta spokesperson confirmed the project has cleared environmental review.
While the existing high-speed quad will remain in service, its route will be rebuilt using all new towers and foundations. The top and bottom terminals will stay in place but be pivoted to allow for a straight-line configuration. Construction is expected to begin this summer. The realignment comes after years of monitoring and mechanical strain on the lift, which combined the older Supreme and Cecret lifts into a single route through Devil’s Castle terrain. The 8-degree bend—originally selected to reduce environmental impact—proved jarring for skiers and demanding on the lift system.
During the 2023–24 season, Alta experimented with new chairs in an effort to dampen the ride through “the bumpies,” a nickname that became a tongue-in-cheek reference to the lift’s quirks, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Despite its reputation, the lift remained operational and was deemed safe to run. Still, the cumulative stress prompted Alta to move forward with the overhaul.
“This lift has never had an accident,” Alta General Manager Mike Maughan told the Alta Town Council last year, “but we’re seeing fatigue in key areas, and it’s time for a long-term solution.”
According to the Forest Service, approximately 212 trees will be removed during construction. Alta is required to reforest the old lift corridor at the same scale once the project is completed. Trail closures may occur during summer construction, and weekly updates will be posted for hikers, bikers, and campground users.
Installed in 2017, the current Supreme lift was part of a broader effort to streamline access to Alta’s east-side terrain. Rather than install a more expensive angle station or realign the route initially, resort officials chose the curved lift path to minimize deforestation. That choice is now being revisited in favor of long-term sustainability and comfort.
Despite the technical issues, Alta poked fun at the situation with an April Fool’s Day post this year, joking that “the bumpies” had become a beloved feature for skiers of all ages. But with signs of fatigue appearing in chair pans and grips, the time for realignment had clearly arrived.
Trail impacts and construction details will be updated on Alta’s official website as the summer progresses.
