Ski Resorts with the Best Ski Lifts in New York

Nobody likes wasting precious slope time stuck in lift queues or crawling up the mountain on ancient two-seaters. Our lift efficiency rankings spotlight the resorts that get you where you want to be—back on the snow—with minimal faff and maximum uphill transport. These rankings come straight from real skiers and snowboarders in our community who've experienced these lifts firsthand. Only resorts with sufficient feedback make the cut, ensuring these insights are properly representative.

Looking to explore more aspects of these resorts? Check out our rankings for Groomed Runs and Powder Zones. And if you've recently hit the slopes, share your own lift experiences to help fellow snow-lovers plan their perfect trip.

Best Ski Resort for Efficient Ski Lifts in New York: Holiday Valley - Lift Efficiency Rating

Holiday Valley's lift system is consistently praised by our users for its efficiency and speed. The resort features multiple high-speed lifts that keep skiers moving with minimal waiting time. A Snomad community member who skis competitively mentioned that even on busy days, the lift system manages well. Others highlight how the resort continues to improve their lifts year after year. Jessica, an advanced skier, notes that "the lift system keeps being improved year after year." Weekday visitors particularly enjoy the virtually non-existent queues, with Jovica pointing out that "weekdays the place is empty" making for a smooth, uninterrupted skiing experience.

#2 Bristol Mountain - Lift Efficiency Rating

Bristol Mountain scores highly for lift efficiency according to our Snomad community. One expert snowboarder, Matt, highlights the consistently smooth experience on the lifts. Lucas points out that "lift lines are never too long," making for more time on the slopes and less waiting around. The resort has clearly invested in quality infrastructure, with several users mentioning recent improvements. While not a massive resort, the lift system efficiently serves the mountain's terrain, allowing for maximum skiing time. For families and beginners especially, the quick access to slopes adds to the appeal of this compact but well-organised ski area.

#3 Hunter Mountain - Lift Efficiency Rating

Hunter Mountain gets top marks for lift efficiency from our users, with the six-pack lift earning particular praise for quickly whisking skiers to the summit. One Snomad community member liked how the lifts run smoothly, even during busy periods. Joe, an expert skier, highlights the convenience of the lift system across all four phases of the mountain. While weekends can get crowded, the efficient lift network generally keeps things moving. Midweek visits are recommended by Cairo, an intermediate snowboarder from NYC, who notes that the lifts run quickly and the warming huts are strategically placed for convenience throughout the resort.