The Most Unique Ski Lifts and Cable Cars in the World

There’s something magical about gaining altitude in the mountains. The air gets crisper, the world below shrinks into a snow globe and that unmistakable sense of adventure starts to build. Sure, skiing is the main event, but some lifts are an experience all their own. Whether you're in it for jaw-dropping views, record-breaking engineering, sky-high luxury or sheer altitude, these scenic journeys deliver the kind of alpine beauty that stays with you long after the snow melts. From the jagged peaks of the Alps to the wild Rockies, we’ve rounded up the most unforgettable ski lift rides on the planet.

Ski Lifts with the Best Views

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1. Aiguille du Midi Cable Car – Chamonix, France

The Aiguille du Midi cable car is the highest in France and your first-class ticket into the heart of the Alps. In 20 minutes, you’ll rise from the bustling center of Chamonix to a staggering 3,842 meters (12,605 feet), with each second revealing more of Mont Blanc’s icy majesty. At the summit, take an elevator to the uppermost terrace and step into Le Pas dans le Vide, a glass box suspended over the void, for an unparalleled view of Europe’s highest peak and its surrounding spires. And if you’re not ready for the journey to end, hop on the Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car for a breathtaking ride across glaciers to Pointe Helbronner in Italy. It’s 30 minutes of pure magic floating above the Alps, surrounded by snow, silence and sky.

2. Banff Gondola – Alberta, Canada

It’s no surprise that Banff is nothing short of spectacular – after all, this world-renowned ski town is Canada's first national park and a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the best ways to take it all in? Hop aboard the Banff Gondola. In just 8 minutes, you’ll soar 700 meters up Sulphur Mountain, where 360-degree views await. Gaze out over 6 rugged mountain ranges, the glacier-fed Bow Valley, alpine lakes and the charming town of Banff far below.

At the summit, stroll the scenic ridge-top boardwalk to the historic Cosmic Ray Station, where every turn offers a new vantage point and endless photo ops in the crisp mountain air. When hunger strikes, both Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen offer locally inspired cuisine paired with postcard-worthy views. Stay a little longer to catch a majestic Banff sunset, and if you're lucky, a glimpse of the northern lights dancing over the peaks.

3. Telluride Gondola – Telluride, Colorado, USA 

According to our Mountain Travel Experts, Telluride ranks among the most stunning mountain towns in the Western U.S. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in its majestic beauty is aboard the famous (and free!) Telluride Gondola. As the first public transportation system of its kind in the U.S., this picturesque 12-minute ride connects the historic town of Telluride with the slopeside haven of Mountain Village, soaring up and over 10,500-foot Coonskin Ridge.

Entirely powered by wind energy, the “G,” as locals affectionately call it, was built in 1996 to reduce vehicle traffic and protect the region’s pristine mountain air. Today, it transports over 3 million riders each year, including skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, hikers, and commuters. Along the way, passengers are treated to sweeping views of the dramatic San Juan Mountains, aspen-covered mesas, and cascading waterfalls. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Utah’s La Sal Range. From those heading to the slopes to commuters just along for the ride, the “G” is a beloved highlight for visitors and locals alike.

Ski Lifts with the Scariest Rides

1. Jackson Hole Aerial Tram – Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

Known to locals as “Big Red,” the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram climbs a staggering 4,139 vertical feet in 9 minutes, delivering skiers to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet. From the top, panoramic views stretch across the jagged Tetons, the sweeping Jackson Hole Valley, and beyond. But the real heart-stopper is what waits at the top: Corbet’s Couloir. This narrow chute has earned its reputation – you're looking at a 20-foot vertical drop-in followed by a 50-degree slope that makes even expert skiers pause and reconsider their life choices. The tram ride up gives you the perfect view and plenty of time to stare at what you're about to attempt, which either builds anticipation or complete terror, depending on your perspective. 

For the bold, Corbet’s is one of the steepest, most iconic ski descents in North America. But don’t worry – not everyone needs to take the infamous plunge. At the summit, you can soak in the views and refuel with a hot waffle at Corbet’s Cabin before choosing a more mellow route back down. If you're chasing adrenaline or just simply want to lay eyes on one of skiing’s most notorious lines, the Jackson Hole Tram delivers the goods.

2. Leissières Express – Val d’Isère, France

If you’ve never been a nail-biter, your first ride on the Leissières Express in Val d’Isère, France, might just change that. People around the world know this chairlift as one of the most terrifying rides you can take on a mountain, and they're not wrong. Known as the “Up and Over” lift, it delivers a stomach-churning, roller-coaster-style ride as it crests a jagged mountain ridge between the Solaise and Le Fornet regions. Just when you think you’ve reached the top, the chairlift suddenly plunges down the far side, suspended high above steep, rocky terrain with absolutely nothing but thin alpine air beneath you. The drop is steep, the exposure is real, and the sensation will get your heart pounding.

To dial up the adrenaline even more, the Leissières Express often contends with swirling alpine winds and unpredictable weather. Thanks to its fully exposed perch atop a narrow ridge, even a light gust can set the chairs swaying, prompting most riders to grip that safety bar just a little tighter. On stormy or low-visibility days, the ride takes on an even more intense edge, as you glide above craggy terrain with hardly a trace of the ground below. If you're afraid of heights, maybe skip this one. But for those up for the challenge, the Leissières Express has your name all over it.

3. The Roca Jack – Portillo, Chile

The fear factor of Roca Jack isn’t about altitude – it's all about whether you can actually handle the timing and technical skills it demands, especially when you're riding with someone else. This slingshot-style lift is a throwback to old-school Andean engineering. Instead of a standard chairlift, Roca Jack launches 5 skiers at once via a massive tow bar attached to a high-speed cable. There's no gentle ascent here; just a sudden jolt uphill at nearly 20 mph that yanks you straight into Portillo’s epic terrain. Hold on tight and pray your skis don’t catch an edge.

Staying upright is only half the challenge. To exit without chaos, you and your fellow riders need to have a game plan, because if one person slips up, the whole crew could end up in a tangled pile sliding back downhill. And the kicker? Roca Jack doesn’t drop you off at a groomer. It delivers you directly into steep, off-piste terrain, where cliffs, wind-blown powder and avalanche-prone slopes await. But the epic runs are worth the risk of the sketchy ride – just be careful who you share the bar with.

The Most Unique Ski Lifts

1. The Single Chair – Mad River Glen, Vermont, USA 

If solitude on the slopes is your style, it’s time to take a trip to Mad River Glen in Vermont. This ski area is home to the iconic Single Chair – a true relic of ski history and one of the oldest still-operating lifts in North America. Originally built in 1948 and carefully restored in 2007, it’s the only single chairlift in the lower 48 and one of only two on the entire continent (the other can be found in Cordova, Alaska). Despite its vintage charm, this lift isn’t slow – it’s actually the fastest fixed-grip chair in North America, moving at 600 feet per minute and delivering riders to the summit in under 10 minutes. But the real magic is that once you've reached the top, it feels like you have the entire mountain to yourself.

Mad River Glen is a living museum of classic New England skiing. Snowmaking is minimal, grooming is kept to a minimum and snowboarding is famously forbidden – though word on the hill is a trial run for boarders may happen sometime in 2026. Owned by a co-op of passionate skiers since 1995, this resort is less about high-speed quads and more about preserving the purity of the sport. The Single Chair feels like skiing through a time capsule to the golden age of skiing.

2. The Sauna Gondola – Yllas, Finland

It might sound too good to be true, but leave it to the Finns to turn a gondola into a sauna. In a country where the sauna is practically a sacred ritual, this steamy twist on a ski lift makes perfect sense. There’s even a running joke in Finland that there are more saunas than people – and while that’s not quite true, with over 3.2 million saunas for just 5.6 million people, it’s not far off.

The Sauna Gondola fits up to 4 guests and offers a cozy, 20-minute round-trip ride high above the slopes. Your booking also includes access to the summit’s sauna lounge, complete with showers, a heated outdoor jacuzzi and panoramic views of the snow-covered wilderness. After your steam session, you’ll descend in style with a scenic snowcat ride. And if the skies are clear, you might just catch the northern lights dancing above. Après-ski in Finland is a vibe all its own.

3. Peak 2 Peak Gondola – Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a world record-breaking ride in the sky. Spanning an astonishing 3.024 kilometers (1.88 miles) between towers, it holds the world record for the longest unsupported span on any lift. Add to that a soaring height of 436 meters (1,427 feet) above the valley floor, and you’ve got one of the most glorious gondola rides on Earth.

This engineering marvel connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in a 4.4-kilometer (2.7-mile) journey, making it easy to ski them both in a single day. The ride takes at most 11 minutes, offering unbeatable access to North America’s largest ski resort. In addition to earning a spot in the Guinness World Records, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola boasts 2 truly unique glass-bottom cabins delivering a bird’s-eye view of the alpine forest, glacier-fed creeks and dramatic terrain far below.

Ski Lifts with Outstanding Engineering 

1. Vanoise Express – Les Arcs / La Plagne, France

The Vanoise Express is a massive accomplishment of alpine engineering. This one-of-a-kind, double-decker cable car connects the huge ski areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne in France, creating Paradiski. Opened in 2004, the Vanoise Express can carry up to 2,000 passengers per hour between Plan Peisey and Les Coches, soaring across the valley in under 4 minutes. Traveling at a record-breaking 45 km/h, it was once the fastest, longest and biggest cable car in the world, but then Whistler’s Peak 2 Peak came along and stole the crown.

Each of the 2 cabins holds up to 200 passengers across 2 levels and operates independently on separate cables, so if one side needs maintenance, the other can keep on moving. Dual-cable technology and aerodynamic cabin design also mean greater wind stability and a smoother ride, even on gusty days. The Vanoise Express still remains the largest aerial lift of its kind ever built, and one of the coolest modern wonders in the Alps. 

2. The 3K K-onnection – Kitzsteinhorn, Austria

The 3K K-onnection at Kitzsteinhorn, Austria, is a true architectural feat that stands out in the world of alpine transportation. Salzburg’s first tri-cable lift links you from Kaprun to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in one straight shot. No more ski bus transfers or hauling your gear. Just pure vertical: 768 to 3,029 meters, making it one of the Alps' longest climbs.

Built in 2019, this cutting-edge creation uses 2 support cables and 1 haul cable, offering exceptional wind stability, minimal sway, and the ability to span vast, rugged terrain with only a few towers. The 3K glides over grand alpine cliffs and crevasses, crossing areas that were once considered impossible for lift construction. The cabins are designed by Porsche Design Studio (yes, that Porsche), with heated seats, panoramic windows and a quiet, peaceful ride. Beyond its good looks and luxury touches, the 3K is built with sustainability in mind, requiring fewer towers and leaving a lighter footprint on the mountain.

3. The Titlis Rotair – Engelberg-Titlis, Switzerland 

The Titlis Rotair in Engelberg-Titlis is famous for being the world's first revolving aerial cableway. Yes, you read that right. The Rotair completes a gentle 360-degree rotation during its 5-minute ascent to the summit of Mount Titlis at a stunning 3,020 meters (9,908 feet). The spinning happens up at the station, not in the gondola itself, which keeps things smooth and efficient. Engineering at its finest.

The real payoff is that nobody gets stuck staring at someone's backpack for the whole ride. Jagged peaks, glaciers, and endless snowy Swiss Alps – you’ll see it all. No elbowing for the good spot, no craning your neck. The mountain just unfolds around you.

The Highest Elevation Ski Lifts

1. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Gondola – China 

As of this writing, the highest chairlift-accessible point in the world belongs to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Gondola in China, which soars to an eye-popping 4,506 meters (14,783 feet!) above sea level. Located in Yunnan Province in southwest China, near the towering peaks of the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges, this high-altitude marvel once served skiers at the now-closed Jade Dragon Snow Mountain ski resort.

While skiing is no longer offered here, the gondola remains open to visitors seeking striking alpine scenery. The 3 main cableways leading to Glacier Park, Spruce Meadow and Yak Meadow offer unforgettable views of rugged glaciers, wildflower-strewn meadows and spellbinding snow-covered ridgelines.

Looking to ski in Asia? Pair your mountain sightseeing adventure with a trip to one of Japan’s world-famous ski resorts like Niseko, where world-class powder and vibrant culture await.

2. Gulmarg Gondola – India

The second-highest (and second-longest) ski lift in the world is the awe-inspiring Gulmarg Gondola, tucked in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This high-altitude giant climbs in 2 stages – first from the Gulmarg base village at 2,650 meters to Kongdoori Valley, then onward to 3,980 meters (13,058 feet) on Mount Apharwat. From the top, skiers are treated to some of the highest lift-served terrain on Earth, with idyllic views of the Himalayas and endless backcountry lines that lure powder seekers from around the globe.

In 2011, Gulmarg added a third phase to its lift system: a 90-seat chairlift connecting Kongdoori to Mary’s Shoulder, a local favorite for deep turns and wide-open descents. The ride takes about 11 minutes, and while the scenery is picture-perfect, the terrain is best suited for advanced and expert riders. Understandably, the operation of the gondola is highly dependent on weather, especially at these extreme elevations. But when it’s spinning, Gulmarg delivers one of the most unique ski experiences on the planet.

3. The Imperial Express SuperChair – Breckenridge, Colorado, USA

The Imperial Express SuperChair at Breckenridge Resort is the highest high-speed quad on Earth, topping out at a mind-blowing 12,840 feet. That’s even higher than Europe’s tallest chairlift, the Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt, which peaks at 3,883 meters (12,740 feet).

Before the Imperial Express debuted in 2005, getting to the high-alpine terrain meant gearing up for a gnarly hike. Now you can just ride up and drop into Art's Bowl, Peak 7 Bowl, North Bowl, Whale's Tail, or the Lake Chutes (Breck's in-bounds extreme zone). Then there's Snow White, 150 acres of steep chutes that'll test your nerve above the treeline. Even advanced-intermediates can get in on the action with wide-open turns in Imperial Bowl, located directly beneath the lift. It’s high-altitude skiing at its finest, right in the heart of Summit County.

The Most Luxurious Ski Lifts

1. VIP Gondola – Hochzillertal, Austria

Touted as the world’s first “floating limousine,” the VIP Gondola in Hochzillertal, Austria, takes ski lift luxury to a whole new level. BMW Individual outfitted this gondola with heated leather seats with a massage button, an Alcantara ceiling, mood lighting, and a sound system good enough for your carefully crafted mountain playlist. Whether you opt for a VIP Season Pass or treat yourself to a single day à la carte, your experience includes a glass of sparkling wine to kick things off in style.

2. Eiger Express VIP Gondola – Jungfrau Ski Region, Switzerland

As a Platinum Club member of the Eiger Express in Switzerland’s Jungfrau Ski Region, you'll enjoy unlimited access to the VIP Gondola, featuring a plush red velvet interior, panoramic windows with jaw-dropping views, flat-screen TVs, and a top-of-the-line sound system. Your membership also includes a reserved VIP parking space just steps from the terminal, plus year-round access to the private lounge stocked with complimentary drinks and snacks.

The Eiger Express whisks you from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier station in only 15 minutes, unlocking direct access to the longest glacier in the Alps, snow-covered 365 days a year. Non-members can still catch a ride with a VIP day pass, which includes a bottle of champagne en route and gourmet snacks before your lunch at the Jungfraujoch Crystal restaurant.

3. VIP Gondola – Zermatt, Switzerland

The exclusive VIP Gondola in Zermatt, Switzerland, takes you from the base of the Matterhorn-Express up 2,929 meters to the Trockener Steg station in first-class comfort. Inside, you’ll find 4 plush leather seats, a personal sound system to set the vibe, and a complimentary bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne to toast the ride. As you glide above one of the world’s most beautiful mountain landscapes, you’ll soak in panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks, without the crowds. It’s the ultimate way to arrive in style and savor the Swiss Alps like never before.

The Best Beginner-Friendly Ski Lifts

1. Greenhorn Ranch Express – Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA

Steamboat Resort’s Greenhorn Ranch is a mid-mountain paradise for beginners. This 16-acre first-timer zone offers wide, gentle slopes perfect for building confidence, all served by multiple magic carpets and the high-speed Greenhorn Ranch Express lift. The whole setup flows naturally – you're not jumping from bunny hill to black diamond with nothing in between. You get your own space to focus on your turns without worrying about being cut off and losing your balance.. Bonus: there’s a cozy on-site dining center where you can warm up, refuel and soak in the mountain views before heading back out. From those who are brand new to those just finding their ski legs, Greenhorn Ranch is where confidence clicks.

2. The Magic Carpets – Keystone, Colorado, USA

Magic carpets show up at pretty much every ski resort's bunny hill, and they're a beginner’s best friend. You slide onto what's basically a moving sidewalk on snow, ride it up and hop off at the top. No chair-grabbing panic, no figuring out how to get off without face-planting. One of our favorite magic carpet rides is at Keystone Resort in Colorado, where newbies are treated like VIPs from the moment they arrive.

Keystone’s Discovery Learning Area, located at the Mountain House base, is tailor-made for first-timers. It’s steps from the parking lot, so you can click into your gear and hit the snow within minutes. The Double Barrel magic carpet makes getting to the top of the gentle slope easy and fun, and best of all, it’s open to everyone, not just ski school participants. Higher up on Dercum Mountain, beginners will find 2 more friendly learning zones: Endeavor and Scout, both marked as “slow skiing” areas to keep things mellow and stress-free. The first section of Endeavor even features another magic carpet, giving new skiers a chance to ease into mountain terrain at their own pace. (Don’t miss Murphy’s Mine, a short and fun scenic trail that winds through sparse trees and even dips through a tunnel.)

3. Ski Start Zones – Tignes, France

The Tignes Resort is all about helping beginners fall in love with the mountain from day one. With its thoughtfully designed “Ski Start” zones, Tignes creates a stress-free, supportive environment where first-timers can learn at their own pace, without pressure. These accessible beginner areas are completely free to all and come equipped with 4 magic carpets (Claret, Centre, Boisses 1 & 2) and 3 gentle chairlifts (Bollin, Almes & Rosset), making it easy to get up and slide down again and again. After you gain some confidence in the start zones, there are 23 green runs and 66 blues in the resort you can challenge yourself with.

Ready to ride one of the most unique chairlifts in the world? Let Ski.com take care of the details so you can focus on the fun. From flights and lodging to lift tickets and gear rentals, we’ll build your dream ski vacation – completely customized and hassle-free. Start here with a free, personalized trip quote and let our Mountain Travel Experts do the rest.