Whiteface Mountain Updates Lift System: Two Chairlifts Retired

Michael Fulton23 Apr 2025

TL;DR

Whiteface Mountain in New York has concluded its 2024-25 season, marking the retirement of two long-serving chairlifts. Plans are underway to replace these with a new SkyTrac fixed-grip double chairlift, maintaining the popular mid-station feature.

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Whiteface Mountain Bids Farewell to Two Historic Chairlifts

Whiteface Mountain, a prominent ski resort in Wilmington, New York, wrapped up its 2024-25 season with a significant announcement. The resort has retired two of its long-standing chairlifts: the Little Whiteface and Mountain Run lifts. This move marks the end of an era for many skiers and riders who have frequented the mountain over the years.

Whiteface Mountain Retires Two Chairlifts - body image 1

The Little Whiteface chairlift, a fixed-grip double, has been a staple of the resort since its original installation in 1958. It underwent gradual replacements in the late 1970s and 1980s, evolving with the mountain's needs. This lift was particularly popular among advanced skiers due to its mid-station, which allowed for quick access to challenging terrain.

The Mountain Run chairlift, installed in 1989, shared lift towers with the Little Whiteface lift in a unique configuration. However, its usage declined in recent years, especially after the opening of the Cloudsplitter Gondola in 1999.

Looking ahead, Whiteface Mountain plans to replace these retired lifts with a new SkyTrac fixed-grip double chairlift. This new installation will maintain the popular mid-station feature, ensuring that skiers and riders can continue to enjoy quick access to various parts of the mountain.

Whiteface Mountain, known for its challenging terrain and Olympic history, continues to evolve its infrastructure to meet the needs of modern skiers and riders. The resort, which boasts the greatest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains, remains a key destination for ski enthusiasts in the northeastern United States. With these upgrades, Whiteface aims to enhance the skiing experience while preserving the aspects that have made it a favourite among snow sports participants for decades.

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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