6 Small Ski Areas That Are Making Big Changes This Offseason
USA — Compared to prior offseasons of the 2020s, ski resorts in North America are having a generally quiet offseason. Fewer lifts are being installed, and fewer bigger builds are being put together than in prior offseasons. However, that doesn’t mean that nothing is happening, as demonstrated by some small ski areas.
This offseason, these six ski areas are undergoing transformative changes that will lead to enhanced experiences and lots of stoke. Here are six U.S. ski areas that are making big upgrades this winter.
Big Rock Mountain, Maine
The easternmost ski area in the United States has seen big changes in recent years. These changes include a new fixed-grip quad chairlift and upgraded snowmaking capacity.
This offseason, the main project is adding a new beginner trail. Analysis by the SE Group found that one of skiers’ key requests was an easier route off the summit. This new route winds down the mountain, providing less-skilled skiers and riders with a way down. Another big project is removing a tree island and old lift off the Comet trail, creating more space for skiers and riders.
Holiday Mountain, New York
On the verge of closure in 2023, local business owner Mike Taylor bought the struggling ski area. Over the past few years, they have installed an expansive snowmaking network, replaced Turkey Trot with a quad chairlift, added a new double black diamond trail, built a terrain park with its own rope tow, and much more.
This offseason, Holiday Mountain is working on bringing the North Pod back to life. This multi-year project has involved regrading the terrain and removing the old chairlift. This will add ten trails and a new triple chairlift. All these trails will have snowmaking, giving Holiday Mountain 100% coverage.
The 2026-27 season will also see the debut of a new snow tubing area, along with the River Lodge. Originally scheduled to debut last winter, a fire delayed that opening.
Woods Valley, New York
Several years ago, Woods Valley Ski Area acquired a used quad chairlift from Kennywood (an amusement park in PA). For years, they waited for the right opportunity to install it. That opportunity came after a January 2025 windstorm permanently closed their T-Bar.
Unlike its predecessor, this lift will conclude at the summit. The addition will increase uphill carrying capacity and reduce lift lines. Also worth noting: since there’s no longer a surface lift, the lift line will now be skiable.
Little Switzerland, Wisconsin
Little Switzerland was known for its up-and-over chairlift, likely the first ever on the continent. This means that it started at the base area, had unloading stations at the top, and then went onto the backside. It will be replaced by two separate quad chairlifts, increasing capacity and reducing lift lines. Removing the over-and-out system will also create more space for unloading at the top. Both the terrain pods will be easily accessible from the new lifts.
Marquette Mountain, Michigan
In November 2025, mechanics discovered issues that forced the Rocket chairlift to remain out of service for the 2025-26 season. This offseason, the ski resort is replacing that fixed-grip double chairlift with a new model. In its place will be a new Doppelmayr fixed-grip triple chairlift with a ride time of around 4.5 minutes. A new alignment will let skiers access more terrain than beforehand.
Meadowlark Ski Lodge, Wyoming
Earlier this year, the small Wyoming ski resort was bought by Mas Tierra, a Miami-based firm with ties to Inter Miami. They have decided to keep its rustic charm while improving the existing experience. Lift tickets are expected to remain affordable, as their current pricing shows. Unfortunately, it appears they will no longer be an Indy Pass partner.
So far, referenced improvements include lift upgrades (like new safety bars and seat padding), lodge renovations, a new retail shop, new rental gear, renovating the nearby overnight cabins, and other projects. Future ideas may include terrain expansions, mountain biking, guided experiences, and lodging enhancements.
While we don’t know yet the full scope of the projects there, it looks like it’s going to be a great experience.
Image/Video Credits: Big Rock Mountain, Holiday Mountain, Woods Valley Ski Area, Little Switzerland, Marquette Mountain, Meadowlark Ski Lodge
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