Castle Mountain's New Stagecoach Express Chairlift: A Nod to Cat-Skiing Legacy

Michael Fulton3 Apr 2025

TL;DR

Castle Mountain Resort in Alberta is set to install its first high-speed chairlift, the Stagecoach Express, expanding terrain and honouring its cat-skiing history.

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Castle Mountain Resort Unveils Plans for New High-Speed Chairlift

Castle Mountain Resort in Alberta is gearing up for a significant upgrade that will transform the skiing experience for visitors. The resort has announced plans to install its first high-speed chairlift, marking a new era in its development. This addition comes as the resort retires its long-standing cat-skiing operations, replacing them with a modern lift system that promises to enhance accessibility and reduce ride times for skiers and riders.

Castle Mountain Instagram Post

The new chairlift, named the Stagecoach Express, is a refurbished detachable high-speed quad originally from Banff Sunshine Village. With a vertical rise of 1805 feet and a ride time of approximately six minutes, it represents a substantial improvement in the resort's infrastructure. The name Stagecoach Express pays homage to the resort's former Stagecoach Cat Skiing operation, which concluded its final season on March 17th, 2025.

This expansion is set to increase Castle Mountain Resort's skiable terrain by more than 25%. The new area will feature a diverse mix of trails catering to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, along with gladed sections for those seeking a more challenging experience. Currently boasting 95+ trails across six lifts and a vertical drop of 2854 feet, Castle Mountain is already a significant player in Alberta's ski scene. The addition of the Stagecoach Express is poised to elevate its status further.

Castle Mountain Trail Map. Credit: Castle Mountain

The Stagecoach expansion is slated to debut in the 2025-26 ski season, offering visitors access to new terrain and faster ascents. This development not only honours Castle Mountain's cat-skiing legacy but also looks to the future, aiming to enhance the overall ski experience. As the resort evolves, it maintains a connection to its roots while embracing modern ski resort amenities. Skiers and riders can look forward to exploring new trails and enjoying quicker access to the slopes, making Castle Mountain an even more attractive destination for winter sports enthusiasts in Alberta and beyond.

About the author

Michael Fulton

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

50+ resorts visited15 years skiing

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