Skiers will have a whole new playground to explore this winter, but they will still have to access it in the same, old way. Despite plans for a high-speed quad to replace the ailing backside three-seater, Durango Mountain Resort officials say the dream of a bigger, faster Chair 8 likely won’t be coming true anytime soon.

“We have not set a date for the new lift,” said DMR V.P. of Mountain Operations Mike McCormack. “A new lift is still planned, but it had to be postponed because of the economy.” Because of sagging revenues for the resort and the ski industry as a whole, McCormack said it is difficult to obtain financing for big ski area upgrades. Nevertheless, he told skiers not to lose hope. “When that lift goes in, it’ll help enhance the whole area over there,” he said.