Doppelmayr - Ski Lift

For nearly four decades, the Superstar Express Quad carried thousands of skiers and snowboarders up to Killington Mountain. This mountain has been ranked as one of New England’s most iconic ski destinations. Installed back in 1987, the lift served as a backbone for the resort’s winter operations and had taken on many years of wear from the moisture and constant impact from riders each ski season. After 38 years of service, it was time for an upgrade that would honor the legacy of its original life while ensuring a legacy down the road for future generations.

In 2025, Killington Resort partnered with the engineer on the project, Doppelmayr, to install the new Superstar six-passenger, high-speed chairlift. This would be the resort's first UNI-G six-person lift. This upgrade increases uphill capacity and enhances reliability for ski enthusiasts that visit the resort.

Knowing that the ski lift would be in constant contact with the cold elements, enduring the cycles of freezing, thawing, snow and ice, it was paramount to choose a coating protection system for the steel that would have the strength and durability to perform well under these circumstances. Given the track record of paint to chip and scrape under similar conditions, hot-dip galvanizing was the best option for the project. The critical steel components including the towers, masts, and crossarms were galvanized with uniform protection by the galvanizer.

This decision to galvanize would positively impact thousands of people down the road when considering the safety and comfort of the chair lifts that would be used day in and day out at the resort. Project members would also expect to spend less on maintenance and repairs over the life cycle of the project, further proving that galvanizing would be the most sustainable option as well – aligning well with the Killington Resort commitment to sustainability and responsible recreation.

Throughout the course of the project, the engineers, fabricators and galvanizer were able to work seamlessly to provide the resort with a quality end product. The galvanizer on the project was able to educate the engineering team on proper vent and drain hole placement, achieving uniform coating quality and the long-term benefits of choosing this coating protection system.

This investment to revamp the ski lift will truly enhance the guest experience, reduce wait times, and keep the mountain accessible during the skiing season for future generations. Rising 1,199 feet in the air on Vermont’s tallest peak, it will stand as a testament to the durability and integrity of galvanized steel.