A chairlift is taking shape at a Colorado ski area, symbolizing a terrain expansion highly anticipated for the winter ahead.

The summer at Monarch Mountain has seen helicopters flying in concrete for foundations, followed by upright steel and material for a terminal atop the Continental Divide. A 250-horsepower motor, gearbox and bullwheel have also been delivered, along with a haul rope to be strung across towers and a bottom terminal.

The expectation is for the Tomichi Lift to be inspected in early fall — ahead of the planned debut of freshly-cut trails in No Name Basin.

Wrote Scott Pressly, Monarch’s director of mountain operations, in his blog chronicling construction this summer: “This lift is going to be a game changer and open up the option to drop off either side of the Divide and catch a ride back to the top.”

Vail Resorts announces Epic Friend Tickets for pass holders for 2025-26 season

The ski area hasn’t seen a new chairlift since Pioneer’s opening in 1999. The lift for No Name Basin has long been envisioned, predating Bob Nicolls’ group that took ownership in 2002.

“People are gonna be blown away,” he said of the 377 acres waiting on the ski area’s backside, across the opposite, western side of the Continental Divide.

No Name Basin will expand Monarch’s lift-served terrain by 50% (the area was previously accessed via snowcat tours). Spread across 1,000 vertical feet, seven trails have been cleared — a mix for intermediate- and expert-level skiers and riders, Nicolls said.

“Besides just the seven runs, the woods are huge,” he said. “You could keep busy all day back there.”

Ski 76 days on Colorado’s slopes for $67

The U.S. Forest Service approved the expansion last year amid Monarch reporting steady growth in visitation and season pass sales. Operators have aimed to spread out crowds.

“It’s not ‘build it and they will come,’ they’re already coming,” Nicolls said.

As one of Colorado’s last ski areas counting on natural snow in the absence of snowmaking, Monarch Mountain typically opens in late November or early December.

Could No Name Basin open with the season kickoff?

“It depends on which way the wind is blowing for those early-season storms,” Nicolls said. “It could be better snow back there than the front side.”

Nederland to purchase Eldora Mountain Resort for upcoming season