A new lift for beginner skiers and snowboarders that will serve as a quick refuge from the elements will soon be ready at a local resort. As part of a makeover ahead of the 2026/27 season, Mount St. Louis Moonstone has installed a new carpet lift. The Team Service Carpet surface lift has an LED covered dome that protects skiers and snowboarders from wind and snow, offering a brief reprieve from severe winter weather that Mother Nature can bring to our region. Used mostly by beginners, the resort promises them “more time learning to ski and ride and less time waiting in line.” The lift will move 1,800 people every hour. The resort has named the lift after southern Ontario’s native hardwood tree as that particular part of the mountain was lined with those trees. It’s called the Butternut Slope Carpet and area. Easily spotted by their large leaves and unique split husk nuts, butternut trees are listed as endangered and no longer on the mountain. Mount St. Louis says it’s working to restore those trees.