Lee Canyon, Nevada, announced this week that it will move forward with the construction of a new chairlift and terrain expansion as part of its ongoing development plans. The project centers around Chair 8, a lift included in the resort’s master development plan approved by the U.S. Forest Service in 2020.
Once completed, Chair 8 is expected to carry approximately 1,800 skiers per hour over a 650-foot vertical rise, unlocking access to seven new ski trails. The expansion marks a significant step forward for the Southern Nevada resort, which has seen steady growth in recent years as a key winter destination near Las Vegas.
The new lift will be accessed via the existing Bluebird lift and is expected to primarily serve beginner and intermediate terrain, aligning with Lee Canyon’s push to broaden its appeal to a wider range of skiers and riders. Most of the terrain in the expansion zone features slope angles under 27 degrees, making it well-suited for progression and learning. However, more advanced skiers may still find opportunities nearby, as steeper terrain on the flanks of Lee Peak could be reached with a short bootpack from the top terminal.
Beyond increasing trail count, the project is expected to improve overall mountain flow and reduce congestion on existing lifts, particularly during peak periods. As Lee Canyon continues to grow, infrastructure upgrades like Chair 8 play a key role in balancing accessibility with terrain diversity.
The investment is part of a broader push by Mountain Capital Partners, which owns Lee Canyon and several other ski areas across the western United States. The company has announced more than $37 million in projects across its portfolio this summer, including expanded snowmaking at Pajarito Mountain in New Mexico and lift and snowmaking improvements at Purgatory Resort in Colorado.
With construction set to begin this offseason, Lee Canyon’s latest expansion signals continued momentum for a resort that is steadily evolving from a local hill into a more fully developed ski destination. The new lift will take the total number of ski lifts at the resort to six. There are currently four chairlifts and one rope tow at Lee Canyon. Chair 8 will boost hourly uphill capacity at the resort by nearly 20% to more than 10,000 people per hour.