4 New Chairlifts Are Coming To These 3 BC Ski Resorts Starting Next Season

Why It Matters

The upgrades will shorten ascent times, increase lift capacity, and improve year‑round accessibility, strengthening BC’s competitive position in the North American ski market. Higher visitor capacity translates into greater tourism revenue and job growth for local economies.

Key Takeaways

• Cedar Bowl Express reduces Cedar Bowl roundtrip to one lift.
• Fernie's Elk Quad cut mid‑mountain ride time by ~50%.
• Pioneer Express will double Kicking Horse’s base‑area lift capacity.
• Kimberley replaces Tamarack Double with a quad by Dec 2026.

Pulse Analysis

The Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) is committing roughly $200 million to new lift infrastructure across three British Columbia ski destinations, a move that underscores a broader push to modernize mountain assets in North America. By installing high‑speed quads and a new gondola‑style express, RCR aims to shorten ascent times, increase uphill capacity, and enhance the overall guest experience. This level of capital outlay positions the BC resorts to compete more effectively with nearby U.S. destinations such as Whistler‑Blackcomb and Colorado’s high‑altitude fields, while also signaling confidence in post‑pandemic tourism recovery.

At Fernie Alpine Resort, the Cedar Bowl Express will replace a three‑lift climb with a single high‑speed quad, while an upgraded Elk Quad will shave roughly half the travel time to mid‑mountain, benefiting both winter skiers and summer hikers. Kicking Horse’s Pioneer Express will add a second ascent route, more than doubling base‑area capacity and reducing reliance on the single Golden Eagle gondola that has historically bottlenecked operations. Kimberley Alpine Resort’s early‑year project swaps the aging Tamarack Double for a modern quad, slated for a December 2026 opening, improving lift reliability and skier flow.

The lift upgrades are expected to boost visitor numbers, extending the ski season and generating ancillary revenue for surrounding communities through lodging, dining, and retail. Faster, higher‑capacity lifts also improve slope safety by reducing lift‑line congestion and enabling more efficient snow‑making and grooming operations. As climate variability pressures winter sports, RCR’s investment in year‑round mobility—evident in the summer‑focused Elk Quad upgrade—helps diversify revenue streams and future‑proof the resorts against shorter snowfall windows.