Discover the Top 5 Longest Ski Lifts in the World
Skiing is one of the world’s favorite pastimes, and it shows. The collection of the longest ski lifts in the world in this article in no way covers all of the longest lifts. Let’s face it; there are so many! We have collected the five neatest and longest lifts right here, whether that means a chair lift, gondola lift, or being carried to the top by an eagle (no, not really), and we hope you enjoy it and think about flying abroad for your next ski-extravaganza! Also, be sure to check out our article showcasing the longest ski runs in the world while you’re at it.
5. Sunshine Express (Telluride, Colorado)
Offering both newbie and advanced terrain, Sunshine Express has loyal customers for a reason.
©Fred Benenson / CC BY 2.0 - License
Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado used to boast that its Sunshine Express chairlift was the longest detachable chairlift in the world. The amazing lift was built in 1986 and will be reaching 40 years old before we know it. The lift is a chairlift that climbs way up a mountain to a distance of 1.96 miles! The super chill ride takes a little over 10 minutes, but that can be used as a rest time. It’s also a fantastic time to pose for photos or take in the gorgeous scenery.
4. Slide Brook Express (Sugarbush, Vermont)
Sugarbush Resort had the first gondola in the U.S. and stands as the world’s longest chairlift!
©Yiwenz/Shutterstock.com
The Slide Brook Express Quad is another fantastic ski chair lift located right here in Vermont, U.S. at Sugarbush Resort. The Slide Brook Express lift was previously the longest lift in the world and is still the longest and fastest chairlift quad in the world. The best part about the resort is that it’s located in the U.S., so visiting is much more attainable for most people than Serbia or Iran.
Vermont is a beautiful, peaceful state that draws in millions of nature-loving fans yearly. The Sugarbush Resort is an excellent reason to visit during the colder months. The exhaustive 2.1 miles on a Slide Brook quad chairlift will help you relax, find your bearings, and get ready for the next run while you look out at the lovely wilderness.
3. Peak 2 Peak Gondola (Whistler, Canada)
Riding the Peak to Peak gondola lift is one of the best things about this resort.
©John Johnston / CC BY 2.0 - License
At Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, the Peak to Peak gondola lift is a staggering 2.7 miles long. The views from the gondola are enough to make your mouth drop and hurry down to the bottom of the incline so you can ride the gondola back up to the top again. From the eagle’s perspective, you will be able to take in the snow-covered volcanic peaks, the Canadian wilderness, coastal rainforests, and ancient glaciers. This lift is the world’s longest lift of its kind, the world’s longest continuous lift system, and the world’s highest lift of its kind. That’s quite a reputation to live up to!
2. Tochal Ski Resort (Tehran Province, Iran)
One of the things about this area of Iran is that winter lasts for seven months a year.
©In fact / CC BY-SA 4.0 - License
The Tochal Ski Resort is enchanting with its super long, 4.66-mile gondola lift. Many Americans may not view Iran, in the Middle East, as prime ski territory, but they will after hearing about this resort! For starters, visitors hop on the first 30-minute gondola ride slightly north of Tehran at the multi-activity complex to reach the resort, which is 12,467 feet up. The ride can be incredibly scenic if the smog isn’t too dense in the city. From there, it’s time to get on the second gondola that will take visitors to the top of the ski area. This is the 4.66-mile long ride, so we’re guessing it might take a while to get to the top.
1. Zlatibor Gold Gondola (Zlatibor, Serbia)
Tourists wanting an excellent panoramic view of Zlatibor also use the Zlatibor Gold gondola.
©Jasmina Blazevic/iStock via Getty Images
On the way up to the Gold Gondola Ski Resort, visitors will embark on a 25-minute ride in a gondola. The gondola starts in the center of Zlatibor and connects with the ski center of Tornik. This 5.59 mile gondola ride has an amazing panoramic view and is the longest ski lift in the world. Enjoy it quickly since the ride covers about 20 feet per second, which is really fast for a ski lift. It’s also able to take 1,000 up per hour! This gondola was clearly related to Sonic the Hedgehog! If a long day of skiing always brings on some serious hunger, they have an amazing brunch, but be sure to reserve it. There is so much that screams classy with this fantastic, eco-friendly ski resort.
The panoramic view this world-record-breaking gondola offers is a one-of-a-kind experience of its own. The mesmerizing rolling, snow-covered hills are alive with golden pine trees, which is Zlatibor’s namesake. The word translates from zlatni, which means gold, and bor, which means pine. The mountain and sea air combine in this region, forming an amazing climate and crisp fresh air. The Balkan Mountains are some of the purest and best in the world. There is also an adventure center at the base of the resort, which has loads to offer those looking for a really special day to remember.
This special super gondola is the world’s longest panoramic-view gondola, at least for now. It does seem to have quite a bit of competition. We wouldn’t be shocked to see another winner entire the golden circle in the next few years.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © christiannafzger/iStock via Getty Images
