Posted in Idaho Fun Facts March 31, 2023 by

Few People Know Idaho Was Home To The First Chair Lift In America

It’s well known that Idaho is home to the oldest ski resort in America. Sun Valley Resort was established in 1936 and since then, it has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state. But, what many people don’t know is that Idaho, Sun Valley Resort in particular, is also home to the very first chair lift.

Skiing is a popular winter activity in the Gem State. Throughout Idaho, there are approximately 18 resorts, each varying in size and amenities.
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook
But no matter which ski resort you visit, can you imagine skiing down the mountain without first riding up in a ski chair lift?
THEPALMER/E+ Via Getty Images
When Sun Valley Resort first opened in 1936, it not only became one of the first ski resorts in America, but it was also home to the world’s very first chair lift.
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook
The chair lift was actually designed by Union Pacific Railroad engineer James Curran. The Union Pacific Railroad opened Sun Valley Resort and Curran’s invention, which had nothing to do with the railroad, was a big reason many individuals made the trek to this Idaho ski resort.
Before the chair lift was invented, skiers would either carry their ski gear up the side of the mountain or would be pulled up the mountain via a rope. When the chairlift debuted, many skiers had a hard time adjusting but they quickly realized how the chair lift drastically improved the activity.
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook
And, it’s not just winter activities that benefit from this invention. Chair lifts are used at ski resorts during the summer to take individuals to mountain biking and hiking trails and other summertime activities.
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook
No matter the time of year that we visit a ski resort in Idaho, we will forever be grateful that the chair lift was invented and are extremely proud it hails from the Gem State.
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook

Did you know that Idaho was the first to use a chair lift? What other fun facts about Idaho do you know? Share them with us in the comments! And, if you are searching for a ski resort that comes alive during the summer months, you must plan a visit to Schweitzer Mountain Resort in northern Idaho.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Sun Valley Resort, 1 Sun Valley Rd, Sun Valley, ID 83353, USA