North America’s Fastest Six-Person Chairlift Debuts on Big Sky Resort’s Opening Day

Big Sky, Mont., November 25, 2021 - Today at 9 a.m., Swift Current 6 , the fastest six-person chairlift in North America, complete with heated seats and a weatherproof bubble, debuted on Big Sky Resort’s opening day. The excitement was palpable as skiers and riders experienced the quick seven-minute ride on the resort’s most popular chairlift.

"Now with two D-line lifts in the base area, it sets the tone for a world-class experience when guests arrive at the resort," said Troy Nedved, general manager of Big Sky Resort. "We’re one step closer to our goal to be the home of North America’s most technologically-advanced lift system.”

Traveling at 1,200 feet per minute, Swift Current 6 is among the fastest chairlifts in the world. Between both Ramcharger 8 and Swift Current 6, the chairlifts can quickly move up to 6,600 skiers per hour out of the base area.

“We are proud to be part of the lift transformation happening at Big Sky,” said Katharina Schmitz, president, Doppelmayr USA. “Big Sky is on a path to rival the best lift systems in the world when the 2025 vision is completed,” added Schmitz.

A Big Sky tradition, the Thanksgiving Day opening was well-attended by skiers and riders who explored more than 100 acres of terrain across three chairlifts and three surface lifts.

“We’re grateful to all the teams involved in the installation of Swift Current 6,” said Nedved. “To be riding the lift today is the culmination of two years of planning and execution. It’s a pretty incredible moment for us here in Big Sky.”