Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) has unveiled a significant investment in its ski resort portfolio, announcing the installation of four state-of-the-art Leitner Poma chairlifts across Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This ambitious project, scheduled for phased implementation between 2026 and 2027, represents a substantial commitment to modernizing the guest experience and enhancing operational efficiency within some of Canada’s most iconic mountain destinations. The announcement signifies a forward-looking strategy to elevate the standards of winter sports tourism in the Canadian Rockies, promising improved accessibility, comfort, and capacity for skiers and snowboarders.
The multi-year infrastructure development plan underscores RCR’s dedication to maintaining its competitive edge and offering world-class amenities. This strategic upgrade is poised to address evolving guest expectations and ensure the long-term sustainability and appeal of these beloved ski areas. The integration of advanced lift technology from Leitner Poma, a globally recognized leader in aerial and surface lift systems, ensures that these new installations will meet the highest benchmarks for performance, reliability, and guest satisfaction.
A Vision for Enhanced Mountain Experiences
Matt Mosteller, RCR’s Senior Vice President of Resort Experience, articulated the strategic imperative behind this substantial investment. "Undertaking these new projects is a significant investment into our resorts and allows us to modernize our infrastructure and to significantly improve the experience for our guests, focusing on performance, comfort and innovation," Mosteller stated. This sentiment was echoed by John Shea, RCR President & Chief Resort Officer, who emphasized the company’s commitment to its western Canadian properties. "This is a major investment in our BC Resorts and shows our company’s commitment to providing excellent experiences for our guests and our resort communities," Shea commented, highlighting the dual focus on visitor satisfaction and community engagement.
The projected timeline for these installations is as follows: construction will commence in the spring of 2026 at Kimberley Alpine Resort, with subsequent phases of construction beginning in the spring of 2027 at both Fernie Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This phased approach allows for meticulous planning and execution, minimizing disruption to existing operations while maximizing the long-term benefits of the new lift systems.
Kimberley Alpine Resort: The Tamarack Quad Chair Takes Flight
Kimberley Alpine Resort is set to be the first beneficiary of RCR’s modernization initiative. The resort will see the installation of the new Tamarack Quad Chair, a modern four-passenger chairlift, slated for completion and opening in December 2026. Construction activities for this lift are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026. The Tamarack Quad Chair will be strategically positioned along the same alignment as the current Tamarack Double Chair, which will be retired following the new lift’s operational commencement. This replacement signifies an upgrade in capacity and speed, promising a more efficient ascent for skiers and riders utilizing this popular area of the resort. The retirement of the older double chair marks a significant step in updating Kimberley’s lift infrastructure.
Fernie Alpine Resort: Doubling Down on High-Speed Access
Fernie Alpine Resort is poised for a transformative upgrade with the installation of two new high-speed detachable chairlifts. The first, the Elk Express, is scheduled for operation in the winter of 2027/28. This new high-speed detachable four-passenger lift will replace the existing Elk Quad Chair, significantly reducing ride time to the mid-mountain area by nearly 50%. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for Fernie’s extensive summer operations, where a faster and smoother lift system is crucial for maximizing guest enjoyment and accessibility to alpine trails and activities. The improved transit time will allow visitors to spend more time enjoying the mountain and less time in transit.
Complementing the Elk Express, Fernie will also introduce the Cedar Bowl Express, another high-speed detachable four-passenger lift, also slated for a winter 2027/28 opening. This innovative lift will connect the base of Cedar Bowl directly to the top of the Bear Chair area. Currently, accessing the upper reaches of Cedar Bowl requires a three-lift journey. The Cedar Bowl Express will streamline this process, offering a single, efficient lift ride to the summit. This improvement is expected to significantly enhance the experience for skiers and riders accessing this popular terrain, reducing congestion and improving flow throughout the resort.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: Boosting Base Capacity and Alpine Access
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort will welcome the Pioneer Express in the winter of 2027/28, a new high-speed four-passenger lift. This addition is designed to enhance access to the resort’s renowned backcountry-style terrain. The Pioneer Express will transport guests from the base of the ski resort up into Crystal Bowl, terminating at the base of the Stairway Chair. Critically, this new lift provides a vital alternative access route to the alpine, serving as a complementary option to the existing Golden Eagle Express Gondola.
The strategic placement and increased capacity of the Pioneer Express are anticipated to more than double the lift capacity from the base area. This is particularly significant for Kicking Horse, known for its challenging terrain and abundant snowfall. By alleviating potential bottlenecks at the base, the Pioneer Express will ensure that skiers and riders can reach the upper mountain more quickly, especially on powder days, maximizing their time on the pristine snow. The current Pioneer Lift will be retired following the operational launch of the Pioneer Express.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The substantial investment by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies in these new Leitner Poma chairlifts signals a strong commitment to the future of skiing and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies. The modernization of lift infrastructure is a critical component of maintaining competitiveness in the global ski industry. By upgrading to high-speed detachable and quad-chair technologies, RCR is not only improving the efficiency and comfort of its existing operations but also enhancing the overall guest experience.
The phased rollout of these projects over 2026 and 2027 indicates a well-planned strategy that balances capital expenditure with operational continuity. The choice of Leitner Poma, a company with a proven track record in developing advanced and reliable lift systems, further underscores the commitment to quality and longevity.
Broader Impact on the Canadian Rockies Tourism Landscape
This initiative is expected to have a ripple effect on the regional tourism economy. Improved lift infrastructure can lead to increased visitor numbers, longer stays, and greater economic activity in the surrounding communities. For Fernie, the dual lift upgrades will enhance its reputation as a premier destination with diverse terrain and efficient access. Kimberley will benefit from a more modern and capable lift system, potentially attracting new visitors. Kicking Horse’s enhanced base capacity and alternative alpine access will solidify its appeal to advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking challenging conditions and extensive terrain.
The investment also reflects a broader trend in the ski industry towards prioritizing guest experience through technological advancements. As resorts compete for market share, upgrades to critical infrastructure like chairlifts become essential for attracting and retaining a discerning clientele. The focus on "performance, comfort, and innovation," as articulated by RCR’s leadership, aligns with these industry-wide priorities.
A Glimpse into the Future of Skiing
The announcement from Resorts of the Canadian Rockies paints a promising picture for the future of skiing and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies. These four new chairlifts represent not just an upgrade in hardware, but a significant enhancement to the entire mountain experience. By investing in cutting-edge technology and strategic infrastructure development, RCR is ensuring that Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort remain at the forefront of winter sports destinations, offering unparalleled adventures for generations to come. The phased installation timeline provides a clear roadmap for these transformative changes, with anticipation building for the opening of each new lift and the enhanced experiences they will unlock.
