Ski resorts upgrade lifts and terrain to ease crowds and cut costs

As the 2025-26 ski season approaches, U.S. resorts are rolling out major lift upgrades, new terrain and initiatives aimed at easing congestion and lowering costs, while industry rankings and data analyses underscore shifting priorities among skiers: authenticity, lift efficiency and value. The busiest activity this winter is in Utah, where several resorts are opening revamped infrastructure and expanded terrain, and smaller mountains across the West and East are being highlighted for their local character and affordability.

In Utah, Deer Valley is proceeding with one of the largest terrain projects in recent years, adding new lifts, expanded skiing from an East Village base and a high-capacity gondola to Park Peak. Park City Mountain is installing a new 10-person Sunrise Gondola to connect Canyons Village with Red Pine and reduce bottlenecks, and Snowbasin has upgraded a primary lift to shorten ride times and improve access to key bowls. Several other Utah areas are introducing new lodges, expanded snowmaking and reservation systems for peak days as they prepare for a season that begins in mid- to late November at many resorts.

Skiers are also responding to improvements in lift...