Pending requisite approvals from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, Sun Valley Resort intends to move forward with a series of proposed infrastructure upgrades on Bald Mountain to elevate the guest experience and steward the mountain's long-term health. Work is intended to commence after the 2025/26 winter to replace Lookout Express with a high speed detachable six-person lift. At the same time, the previously scoped and approved Christmas Lift will be replaced with a high-speed detachable quad, with both new lifts in operation for the 2026/27 winter. Replacement of these two lifts will increase reliability and uphill capacity while continuing the modernization of Sun Valley's industry leading lift infrastructure.
Lookout + Christmas Lift Proposal
"
Sun Valley is embarking on another round of major investments in the mountain. The replacement of Christmas and Lookout Express chairlifts will ensure fast, reliable access to some of Sun Valley's best terrain for many years to come. Other elements of our project proposal are intended to modernize critical infrastructure, as well as provide greater access to more of the mountain. Our goal, as always, is to maintain Sun Valley's reputation as one of the world's great mountain destinations while staying true to our roots of being a warm and welcoming family-owned business.
"
– Pete Sonntag, Vice President and General Manager of Sun Valley Resort
- Lookout Express Replacement. The detachable quad lift would be replaced with a new six-person detachable lift, increasing reliability, uphill capacity and improving loading efficiency.
- Lift Operations Facility. A new shared maintenance building near the top of Lookout is proposed to support the Christmas and Lookout lifts with centralized lift operations and infrastructure.
- Trail and Environmental Enhancements. The proposal includes improvements to the Cut-Off trail and a commitment to healthy forest management with minimal disturbance to terrain and vegetation.
- Utility & Infrastructure Upgrades. Snowmaking, domestic water, and electrical power system improvements are included in the project proposal and would be implemented on a future timeline to be determined, following necessary approvals.
- Future Lift Replacements. While the proposal also outlines potential replacements of the River Run and Frenchman’s lifts, there is currently no set timeline for these projects.
- Mountain Biking Access. Pending approval, Sun Valley intends to allow e-bike access on all mountain bike trails in the future, increasing accessibility and aligning with evolving rider preferences.
- Read the Full Press Release
