Beloved Oregon Ski Area Mt. Ashland Seeks $1.87 Million In Donations To Replace Aging Chairlifts
Mt. Ashland, Oregon, a small but mighty ski area near the California border needs help.
Following a disastrous season that lasted a cumulative 17 days, the nonprofit ski area needs to replace two of its main chairlifts. Without deep pockets from corporate investors or private equity overlords, Mt. Ashland is turning to its passionate passholders to lighten the load.
“Mt. Ashland Ski Area is undertaking a transformative infrastructure project to replace its aging Ariel and Windsor Chairlifts, which are vital components of the Mountain’s lift system,” writes Mt. Ashland on a webpage titled ‘2026 Capital Projects‘. “Originally installed over 45 years ago, these lifts have served the Mountain and its visitors for decades but are now outdated, increasingly costly to maintain, and less efficient by modern standards. The replacement project will install two new fixed-grip chairlifts that will enhance access to key terrain, reduce lift lines, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a consistent and comfortable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.”
The video below is a computer rendering of the new SkyTrac lifts that would replace the Ariel and Windsor chairlifts.
The ski area is aiming to raise $1.87 million before May 2027 to fund the projects. The first lift to be replaced will be the Windsor Chairlift, according to Mt. Ashland.
“With the impending need to replace these crucial components and the seven-figure expense of conducting those repairs, Mt. Ashland Association has deemed the replacement of Windsor Chairlift, the portal to our Mountain, the more time-sensitive and critical upgrade,” writes the ski area.
The Windsor Chairlift has spun since 1978 and is a vital connector lift between two sides of the ski area. Ashland aims to replace it with a modern, fixed-grip quad lift from SkyTrac, according to a blog by Andrew Gast, the previous General Manager of Ashland.
Mt. Ashland plans to have the new Windsor chair installed by the start of the 27/28 season.
Mt. Ashland Ski Area
Mt. Ashland’s Ariel Chairlift, also known as ‘Big Red’, is next up. The iconic Center Pole Riblet double has spun since 1963, ferrying countless skiers to Mt. Ashland’s most challenging terrain.
Unfortunately, Big Red’s days are numbered. Chairlifts aren’t meant to last 63 years, and even though it has received numerous updates over the decades, it’s time for something new.
“Ariel Chairlift has faithfully served our community for many years, and over the next two winters, we encourage you to give her a little extra love,” writes Mt. Ashland. “Take in the last of her glory, capture those photos, and remember: she is the reason we can proudly call ourselves Mt. Ashland Ski Area today.”
Photo: Mt. Ashland Ski Area
Mt. Ashland plans to replace the aging double chair with a modern, fixed-grip triple in the same alignment. The top terminal will be moved down the slope about 200 feet, though, and a small building will be constructed around it to protect from rime ice and wind.
Construction is expected to start in 2028 and will last approximately 20 months, according to Mt. Ashland. Skiers, whether or not they frequent Mt. Ashland, can donate here.
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