Major developments are once again taking shape at South Slopes. The new Sunny Express chairlift is complete and has passed all required inspections, while the new Service Point 2.0 will also be completed by the end of the year, bringing the ski resort’s maintenance and support operations together under one roof.

Planning for Sunny Express began in 2024. Originally, the next new lift was planned for the Utsuvaara area on the North-East Slopes to improve connections around the fell. However, the rapid growth in visitor numbers at the South Slopes changed those plans.

“Lifts need to be built where our guests are. Visitor numbers at the South Slopes have grown significantly, and the area serves both domestic and international guests. That is why we decided that the South Slopes would be the right location for our next chairlift,” says Jouni Palosaari, CEO of Levi Ski Resort.

Sunny Express is ready for operation

Preparations for Sunny Express chairlift began in summer 2025, when a new snowmaking system was built and slope and lighting work was carried out at the South Slopes. Construction of the lift itself began immediately after the end of last winter season in early May.

“Sunny Express is now complete and has passed all required inspections. All we are waiting for now is winter,” Palosaari says.

The new lift significantly increases the uphill capacity at the South Slopes. Together, the area’s two chairlifts, T-bars, pome lifts and magic carpets will be able to transport approximately 9,000 guests per hour up the fell during the coming winter season.

Service Point 2.0 brings support operations together at the South Slopes

Alongside the construction of Sunny Express, a new Service Point 2.0 has been built at the South Slopes. The new facility is approximately the same size as the first Service Point, but will serve partly different functions.

The Service Point 2.0 building will include facilities for buses, electricians and carpenters, a small machinery repair workshop, and lift maintenance. It will also house staff facilities.

A key part of the new facility is a shared break room for 36 people. It will provide a common space where staff working in different roles can meet in the morning to review what happened overnight and coordinate the work ahead.

“The idea is to bring our support operations together in one place. When the team can meet in the morning and go through the day’s situation together, it makes coordinating our operations much easier,” Palosaari says.

Service Point 2.0 is due to be completed by the end of November. Operations will then begin moving into the new premises, with the aim of having the planned functions relocated to the South Slopes by the end of the year.

Development of the South Slopes continues

Following the completion of Sunny Express and Service Point 2.0, the development of the South Slopes is moving into its next phase. Plans include a new service building, with construction scheduled to begin next spring.