Arizona Snowbowl Plans New High-Speed Agassiz Lift

Take a deep breath – what you’re about to read is not a test. Arizona Snowbowl is excited to officially announce that for the winter 2020-2021 season, Agassiz Chairlift will be replaced with a high-speed combination lift.

According to Arizona Snowbowl general manager JR Murray, the resort is buzzing from the announcement. “Ownership is excited, the staff is excited, locals are excited, and passholders are excited,” Murray said. “After riding a 34-year-old slow lift, this machine will take Snowbowl to a new level. And we have been reaching new levels almost every year for the last eight since snowmaking was installed.”

"We are honored to be working with JR and his team again on this new and exciting project for Snowbowl,” said Daren Cole, president of Leitner-Poma. "We had great success with the Grand Canyon Express, and JR and his team are great partners."

Since its inception, Agassiz has been the beating heart of Snowbowl. With the replacement of the lift, they’re ushering in a new era – more than an upgrade, the new Agassiz lift completely redefines the Snowbowl experience.

“The lift provides for amazing views up to 80 miles including the Grand Canyon and red rocks of Sedona,” Murray said. “The new lift will greatly assist with easier loading and unloading compared to a fixed grip chairlift. Cabins allow for operating in otherwise nasty weather in the summer—[before] if it was cold and clear or slightly windy no one would ride the open chair. With the new lift we definitely know there will be more demand for scenic rides.”

One of only six of its kind in the United States, the high-speed combination lift will take the place of the current chair, with six-person chairs interspersed with eight-person gondola cabins. The new Agassiz combo lift will transport passengers up 2,000 feet of vertical in just 7 minutes – less than half the time of the existing lift.

Agassiz Combination Lift Quick Facts

• One of the largest lift installation projects in North America in 2020
• High-speed detachable chairlift and gondola combo
• Gondola cabins will be spaced between every two chairs
• Accesses 2,000 feet of vertical in 7 minutes

As Arizona’s only high-speed combination lift, the new Agassiz combo will set a new standard for the alpine experience in Arizona. Skiers can choose to ride the six-person chair or take a leisurely ride to the top in the 8-person cabin. In the summer and fall, scenic chairlift riders will benefit from passenger cabins in chilly or inclement weather, and passengers that need more assistance boarding a lift can be accommodated more readily.

The current Agassiz chairlift was installed in 1986, and there has been a chairlift in this location for 59 years, since 1961. Times (and fashions) have changed, but the incredible views and the character of the lift have remained.

To celebrate the retirement of the current Agassiz chair and the inauguration of the new combination lift, they’ll be hosting a series of special events and giveaways in the lead up to the last day of the season. Stay tuned to our events calendar and our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for the latest updates!

They’re proud of theircommitment to our guests and passholders, and they’ll continue to work hard to improve the guest experience across all areas at Arizona Snowbowl throughout future seasons. To learn more about additional planned improvements, please see the Master Development Plan.