New lifts often open up new terrain, but at Utah's Sundance Mountain and Oregon's Timberline Lodge, the plans for new lifts are to make it easier to move around their mountains.

Purgatory Mountain officials say they will begin developing a new "low intermediate" section this summer, as the resort works to give its novice skiers and riders an on-mountain experience.

A new "low intermediate" area on the backside of Purgatory Resort is in the works, including a high-speed chair and easier snowmobile access from the front.

The first high-speed chair on the mountain, more snowmaking and parking, and base lodge upgrade are in the works at Sundance Mountain Resort.

At Arapahoe Basin, the quickest way to the steeps has always been to hop the Pallavicini chair. The tradition will continue ... but with modern seating next season.

Getting to the steeps in the East Ridge area of Sunlight Mountain has meant a long traverse in and a long traverse out, but a plan under review includes a chairlift to eliminate all that cross-hill travel.

A much-anticipated expansion project on the north edge of Sun Valley is set to get underway this summer.