Homewood’s Ellis Chair Reopens for First Time Since January

After sitting idle for the final two months of last season due to mechanical issues, Homewood’s Ellis chair returned to service today. The triple lift received the first of two scheduled refurbishments in time for the upcoming season; the resort says the chair’s ride time has decreased by nearly four minutes.

The Ellis chair provides the only direct lift service to about half of Homewood’s lift-serviced footprint. The lift was originally built back in 1977—more than 40 years ago—and did not receive any major refurbishments until now.

Our Take

Homewood confirmed the Ellis chair’s return back in October, and the lift has started running only a week into the season. We presume the decreased ride time comes thanks to motor improvements.

When this chair was down, lapping Homewood’s Ellis terrain became incredibly frustrating; with no direct lift options back to other resort areas, visitors would have to take a shuttle to the North side base area and bear through a ride up the slow, safety-barless Madden chair to get back on the mountain. Such a situation would be completely unacceptable this season, and we’re glad the resort has addressed it.

We look forward to visiting Homewood this winter to check out the revamped lift for ourselves. Hopefully, it runs on more than just weekends this season.

Considering a trip to Homewood this winter? Check out our comprehensive mountain review.