Four Decades of Partnership Between Leitner-Poma of America and Aspen Skiing Company
Leitner-Poma of America’s partnership with Aspen Skiing Company started when business deals were done with a handshake and the American ski industry was run by a small circle of friends. That first handshake in 1984, just three years after Poma of America built a U.S. factory, marked more than a business deal—it marked the beginning of a relationship that would fuel growth for both companies.
Today, over four decades later, that relationship remains the same: Aspen Skiing Company operates exclusively on LPOA lifts and gondolas, with more than 30 lifts across its four mountains. It’s one of the industry’s most enduring client success stories, and one that helped define excellence in the North American ropeway industry.
“At its core, it’s about shared values and a shared long-term vision,” said Geoff Buchheister, CEO of Aspen Skiing Company. “LPOA understands that we’re not just installing lifts—we’re shaping the future of our mountains. Having a partner that can translate that vision into thoughtful design, precise installation, and long-term support makes all the difference.”
The Beginning: A Strategic Partnership
The partnership began at a pivotal moment for both companies. Poma of America, newly established under the leadership of former Aspen Skiing Company president Tom Richardson, was working to gain a foothold in the North American market. For Aspen, whose then-president was industry leader Jerry Blann, the relationship offered access to innovative engineering and a partner committed to long-term support.
“To make a deal with Aspen was a real toehold in the market,” recalled Jon Mauch, who has spent 47 years in the ski industry and has served as LPOA’s sales representative to Aspen for 16 years. “We took it really seriously because it gave us the beginning of our business selling ski lifts in North America.”
Growing Together: From Startup to Industry Leader
LPOA’s most significant early project at Aspen was the Silver Queen Gondola, installed in 1986, which shortened the ride time to the summit by 30 minutes and helped transform Aspen into the world-class resort it is today. Nearly 40 years later, it still operates daily—a testament to both the quality of engineering and exceptional maintenance between the companies.
“Down in the ranks there are still some guys from the old days that keep those lifts running every day,” Mauch said. “Guys like Joe Hamre, the lift maintenance director at Aspen Mountain. He treats that gondola like family. There are countless others across the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass who dedicate their careers to lift operations and maintenance. It would be impossible to thank them all by name, but every one of them is an integral part of our partnership.”
As Poma of America grew into Leitner-Poma of America, the proximity of its manufacturing facility in Grand Junction, Colo., proved invaluable to Aspen’s lift operations. Just two-and-a-half hours from the mountain, the factory provides rapid response and support to keep the lifts spinning for the skiing public.
Years ago, when a bearing issue threatened lift operations, LPOA flew the replacement part into Grand Junction, loaded it onto a helicopter, and delivered it to the mountaintop. This after-sale support has become a hallmark of the partnership.
“When challenges arise—and they inevitably do in the mountains—you want a partner who shows up, takes ownership, and works alongside you until the job is done,” said Buchheister. “That’s what LPOA has consistently delivered for Aspen Snowmass.”
“Our partnership is not about money,” Mauch added. “It’s very relationship-based. We rely on each other. There’s so much behind-the-scenes work that happens to keep these lifts running.”
Today, every lift Aspen Skiing Company has installed carries the LPOA name, with two new ones completed in 2025 at Snowmass. The new Elk Camp six-pack features LPOA’s proprietary Direct Drive system, a gearless motor technology, and will both increase uphill skier capacity by nearly 40% and will double uphill bike capacity in the summer. The lift is Aspen Snowmass’s second—after the Big Burn Express—to boast Direct Drive technology.
“Over the years, LPOA has shown an ability to evolve with us as our needs, technologies, and guest expectations have changed,” said Buchheister, “while still maintaining the reliability and trust that the relationship was built on.”
The other new lift, the Cirque T-Bar, is the highest surface lift in North America, perched at 12,500 feet. It’s built entirely in the alpine tundra, which meant both LPOA and Aspen had to work closely with the Forest Service to ensure a low-impact installation. According to Keeling, they figured out how to install the surface lift with only a spider excavator and a helicopter, which was a feat of engineering.
These projects require up to 100 people across both the resort and installer side. “It’s a complicated process, but LPOA simplifies everything—it’s as seamless as it could be,” Keeling said.
Looking Forward
The partnership continues to evolve, NEW LIFT INFO NELL’S BELL
“We’re excited about the new Nell Bell lift planned for Aspen Mountain next year,” Buchheister said. “It’s going to be a game changer—improving uphill capacity, reducing congestion, and enhancing access to some of the mountain’s most iconic terrain.
In an industry where safety, reliability, and innovation are paramount, the four-decade partnership between LPOA and Aspen Skiing Company demonstrates that exceptional client relationships drive mutual success. It’s a story of two companies that grew together, supported each other through challenges, and built something that transcends any single transaction—a legacy of trust, excellence, and partnership that continues lifting skiers to new heights.
