TL;DR
Ski Santa Fe is set to transform the winter experience for visitors with the introduction of their first high-speed lift, the "Santa Fe Express," scheduled for the 2024-2025 season. Replacing the iconic Chair 1, Super Chief Quad, the cutting-edge Leitner-Poma Quad promises to reduce the mountain ascent to just over four minutes, significantly improving efficiency and reducing wait times. This marks the resort's first high-speed chairlift and the first new lift since 2005. With construction slated for April 2024 and completion expected by early November 2024, the initiative reflects Ski Santa Fe's commitment to innovation and an enhanced skiing environment, with gratitude expressed to the Santa Fe National Forest for their collaborative efforts in the approval process. The upcoming season is poised to offer an exhilarating experience for winter sports enthusiasts with the much-anticipated "Santa Fe Express.
Ski Santa Fe, the home for winter riders of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is set to elevate the skiing and snowboarding experience with the introduction of their first high-speed lift for the upcoming 2024-2025 winter season. The eagerly anticipated "Santa Fe Express" will be a cutting-edge detachable Leitner-Poma Quad, poised to revolutionize the mountain's accessibility and enhance overall visitor experience.Replacing the venerable Chair 1, Super Chief Quad, which has faithfully served skiers and boarders since 1988, the new lift is a significant leap forward in technology and efficiency. The "Santa Fe Express" promises to transport guests up the mountain in just over four minutes, a remarkable reduction from the previous 10-minute lift ride. This not only saves valuable time but also contributes to a more seamless and enjoyable experience for winter sports enthusiasts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ski Santa Fe (@skisantafe) The installation of the high-speed chairlift aligns with Ski Santa Fe's commitment to providing an enhanced skiing environment. By reducing lift lines and addressing bottlenecks on busier days, the new lift aims to create a smoother flow on the slopes. Additionally, the updated infrastructure will make loading and unloading more straightforward, catering to novice skiers and riders and further promoting accessibility for all.What makes the "Santa Fe Express" even more noteworthy is its distinction as the first high-speed chairlift at Ski Santa Fe and the first new lift at the resort since the installation of the Millennium Chairlift in 2005. This technological advancement underscores the resort's dedication to staying at the forefront of the skiing and snowboarding experience.Acknowledging the collaborative effort involved in such a significant project, Ski Santa Fe expresses gratitude to the Santa Fe National Forest for their diligent work during the approval process. Espanola District Ranger Sandy Imler-Jacquez commended the partnership, stating, "Ski Santa Fe is a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the future." This collaboration ensures that the new lift not only enhances the skiing experience but also aligns with environmental and regulatory considerations.


About the author

Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.










