Work on Mt. Ashland Ski Area’s new Lithia Chairlift and two other projects targeted to enhance the snowsports experience is progressing, with all three set to be in place for the 2024-25 season.

The Lithia chair — the first new chairlift installed at Mt. Ashland since the 1980s — will provide access to low and intermediate level terrain that was formerly served by a Poma surface lift that was removed decades ago.

Besides the lift, new LED lights are replacing all existing night lights for twilight skiing and boarding. The Aisle 2 access is also being widened to improve the route for more inexperienced skiers seeking to reach the Windsor or Comer lifts.

“Our focus in this phase of our redevelopment is to elevate the beginner and family experience at Mt. Ashland,” General Manager Andrew Gast said. “These projects will make our mountain a more enjoyable and accessible place to learn how to ski and snowboard.

“It is these types of initiatives that show why Mt. Ashland’s nonprofit operation is vital to the community.”

SkyTrack from Salt Lake City is installing the new lift. The company has manufactured and installed more than 75 new lifts in the United States since it began in business in 2010. SkyTrack personnel arrived on site shortly after the last season ended in April to prepare for the construction.

Mountain staff report that load testing of the new lift is expected to take place in mid-December and the chair should open to the public in January.

A trench in the Sonnet beginners slope carries conduit to the upper unloading terminal for the new lift, which will be at the same elevation as the top of the nearby Sonnet lift. The drive for the lift will be located by the upper terminal

Concretes for both the upper and lower loading terminals has been poured. Concrete for the five towers should be poured over the next week. All the carrier towers, sheave assemblies, cable and communication line are on site. Chairs for the new lift have also been delivered.

With its location, the new lift should be able to operate on days when high winds close the Sonnet beginners lift. It will have three-seat chairs.

Total estimated cost for the Lithia project is $3.3 million, which includes work being done this year and elements in future years, such as a new beginner trail for the area. Karen and Sid DeBoer donated $500,0000 toward the new feature, and their foundation gave $2 million. They also are matching donations up to $500,000 from the community through Monday, Sept. 30.

Aisle 2 widening is expected to be finished in a few weeks. M. Peters Inc is the contractor for the project. The trail will be nearly twice as wide as before from the Dan’s Slot trail down to the lift area.

Trees have been removed in some areas and dirt had been moved onto a bank area to create the wider route. Cost for widening the trail is estimated at $350,000.

Work on both the lift and widening project did not begin until the start of this month due to new guidance issued by the U.S. Forest Service regarding some species that may have habitat on Mount Ashland.

The nonprofit ski area leases the land from the Forest Service, which specified the window of time that some types of work could be conducted in the areas where the two projects are occurring. The lighting was not subject to the requirement.

All existing lights are being replaced with more energy efficient LED fixtures that will provide more uniform lighting across the mountain. All fixtures on the Sonnet run have been replaced, as have those on the main mountain that are mounted on poles. Fixtures mounted on trees will be changed this week.

The area has approval to add lights to the Bottom and Windsor Charline runs that are served by the Windsor lift. That work will be dependent upon the success of a current fundraising campaign for the upcoming season.

If funding and conditions permit, lights will be installed on the Poma and Lupine (formerly the Lodge Poma) runs that are served by the new Lithia chair.

“We hope to wrap up the current campaign on Sept. 30,” said Gast. “Our board and philanthropy director are working with a couple significant donors to finalize gifts right now.”

Lighting work is being performed by Keystone Construction in collaboration with Ephesus Lighting. All phases of lighting will cost $425,000. That will include lights for the new beginner trail served by the Lithia chair.

Twilight skiing and riding has seen an increase in participants in recent seasons, Gast said. The slopes are scheduled to be open until 9 p.m. on 26 evenings during the 2024-25 season. A twilight season pass is offered by the area.

Besides the major projects, all the wooden sections of the bar deck at the lodge were replaced with new beams, and decking and the concrete section was resurfaced.

Mt. Ashland plans to begin operations Dec. 14, conditions permitting, with an 89-day season. For more details, check www.mtashland.com.