Industry News
Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, continues on its multi-year improvement plan, announcing the second phase of construction with the replacement of the Seattle Ridge Chairlift (YOC 1996), which will benefit the recreational experience on Bald Mountain by improving skier circulation and terrain access in the Seattle Ridge area. Pending National Forest Service approval, construction is scheduled to begin in April 2024, with the new lift opening in December 2024.
“Seattle Ridge is home to some of Sun Valley’s most beloved intermediate, family-friendly terrain and more recently with the Sunrise expansion, some of its best off-piste terrain. Over the last five years, we’ve been able to increase the skiable terrain serviced by Seattle Ridge chair by over 200 acres, and we believe the chairlift upgrade is coming at the perfect time as we continue our investment in the mountain experience at Sun Valley.”
— Pete Sonntag, Sun Valley Resort VP & General Manager
The new Seattle Ridge Lift will be a detachable six-person Doppelmayr chairlift and will increase uphill capacity by 20%. Already known for its short to non-existent lift lines, Sun Valley Resort will enjoy even more efficient lift line access as a result of the expanded terminal zone and increased capacity.
Skiers and riders will also get to experience expanded terrain in the Sunrise area, with 91 additional gladed acres added as a result of the Bald Mountain Stewardship program. In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management, Sun Valley Resort has removed 113 acres of trees gladed from the Sunrise region, since 2019, to improve forest health, reduce fuels and associated fire risk, and preserve recreational experience on and around Bald Mountain.
The newly replaced Challenger Lift and Flying Squirrel Lift opened to the public on December 15 as the completion of the Warm Springs Enhancement Plan. To track the progress of the Seattle Ridge Replacement Project, please stay up to date at the Future of Sun Valley microsite: www.futureofsunvalley.com
