Lift Upgrades
Last updated 1/14/2026
Lift upgrades were approved in spring 2025 and scheduled to occur over the summer. Upgrades to the double lift, which included replacing the base terminal, were necessary in order for the lift to continue operating. Unfortunately, we experienced several setbacks during a cumbersome government bidding process and then contractor and equipment delays. Our team has been working diligently alongside specialized experts to get the double lift back online as soon as possible.
Here’s what we’ve been up to in an effort to provide the best experience possible for you this season, despite construction delays:
- Week of December 8th: Crews replaced bull wheel bearings at the base of the quad lift. This update is important preventative maintenance that extends the life of the lift and ensures safe and proper operation all season.
- Week of December 15th: Crews installed a new-to-us base terminal (including a 4,000-pound bull wheel) for the double lift, which is work that had to happen to continue operating the double after experiencing downtime issues last season. It is a BIG project that requires totally replacing the base of the lift. This update will allow us to load riders from both sides, providing a smoother rider experience with reduced stop times, and help the lift operate better in especially cold temperatures, which is a common challenge for ski areas.
- Week of December 22nd: Crews spliced and shortened the haul rope to fit the new bull wheel, connected the gearbox, and reconnected the rope. Conduits were trenched in for new electrical to the new lift shack, which is being built by volunteers offsite. A concrete pad was poured for the lift shack.
- Week of December 29th: The new lift shack was placed on the concrete pad. Electrical work for the shack is in progress and a new control panel was installed.
- Week of January 5th: The loading deck was completed. The auxiliary motor is now fully functional. The motor shaft was installed. Electrical work for the shack, motor, and control panel continues. Signage was installed. Weights were added to the counterweight and fencing was put in place.
- Week of January 12th: Electrical work for the lift shack, motor, control panel, hydraulic cabinet, and safety switches is being wrapped up. Decking around the lift shack is being constructed. Snowmaking efforts will focus on the base area in anticipation of the double lift opening, as well as low spots along Easy Street, Jaws, and the Terrain Park due to warm weather and rain, and the south trails. A load test, which tests the lift’s ability to operate at 110% of its weight capacity, is scheduled for the week of January 19th.
- Week of January 19th: A load test should take place early in the week. Pending testing, the lift is expected to be online and operational later in the week. South trails are not expected to be open yet, but snowmaking efforts will continue to focus on these areas to get them opened as soon as possible. Please stay tuned for more updates!
Double Lift Fun Facts: The double lift, a 1974 Hall, originally came from Spirit Mountain in Minnesota and was brought to Crescent Hill in 1986, when the area was known as Mt. Crescent Ski Area. The new-to-us base terminal came from Bittersweet Ski Resort in Michigan.
How will lift upgrades impact your visit?
We expect double lift upgrades to wrap up by early to mid-January, but will keep you updated as crews continue chugging along. This means that the double lift will not be available until further notice, lines at the quad may be long, construction equipment and crews may be onsite during your visit, and the base area may be limited to allow space for the work to occur. This project will be a big improvement for Crescent Hill once complete, and worth the wait!
What are we doing to make your visit more pleasant during this time?
1. New this year: Season passholders will have dedicated lift lines (look for the bright yellow flags!). This will be incorporated into our passholders perks moving forward.
2. Lift operators will be extra diligent about seating four people to a chair at the quad to keep things moving at the quad on busy days. Please follow their directions, it will keep things flowing.
3. The outdoor ticket booth and outdoor food hut will be open as needed to help keep ticketing and food lines moving.