New projects solidify LPOA as a leader in urban transportation.
Leitner-Poma of America has long identified the non-ski space as having huge potential for growth. In 2025 alone, LPOA has completed or begun three exciting non-ski projects: the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Saluda Skyride in Columbia, S.C.; OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista, Ark.; and Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
“Leitner-Poma of America has long been a household name within the ski industry, and now we’re positioning ourselves to expand well beyond resort boundaries,” said Michael Manley, LPOA’s director of sales. “The urban, attraction and bike park market is our next frontier, and we’re excited to bring our unparalleled work into new markets.”
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Saluda Skyride
LPOA completed installation of the Saluda Skyride in April, the first of its kind in South Carolina. The Skyride features 19 eight-place cabins, has a capacity to transport 1,600 guests per hour, and offers stunning views of the Saluda River. It provides a vital connection between the zoo and the gardens and supports the zoo’s expansion plans.
“The zoo has a five-year plan to expand their exhibits to the west side of the river to have some exhibits over there, including red pandas and jaguars," explained Luke Service, project manager for LPOA’s installation department who oversaw the project. “The gondola really came about because they wanted to provide great transport from the botanic garden to the zoo to enhance their guest experience.”
Beyond providing an exciting new experience for visitors, the Saluda Skyride contributes to the zoo’s projected economic impact of over $175 million annually in the Midlands region. The electric aerial transportation system significantly reduces fossil fuel usage on campus, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental practices.
OZ Trails Bike Park
The OZ Trails Bike Park lift, which commenced in the spring of 2025 and will be completed in spring of 2026, marks a new category for LPOA: year-round lift-access mountain bike parks. OZ will feature the only chairlift in the state of Arkansas—a new detachable high-speed quad with roll-on bike trays—and will carry riders 300 vertical feet to access beginner and expert trails.
“We’re the first of two LPOA lifts in Arkansas,” said J. Scott King, chief business development officer at The Runway Group, the Walton family-owned company behind the park. “It will be so good for progression and sessioning. It will help you get more laps in a day and have more fun.”
Oz will have a grand opening in May 2026—more than 1,000 people attended its soft-launch opening last fall—and will have dedicated mountain bike school in 2027, which will also include summer camps.
Circuit of Americas
The Circuit of Americas, a premier destination for world-class motorsports in Texas, recently partnered with LPOA for a new Pulse Gondola to connect the race paddock with a new premium experience viewing area. The lift includes eight six-place gondola cabins and travels approximately 1,100 feet.
Looking to the Future
By continuing to focus on areas of growth outside of the ski industry, LPOA has established itself as a leader in bringing state-of-the-art transportations solutions to non-ski applications throughout North America.
“We pride ourselves on bringing innovative transportation solutions to all sectors, and we are thrilled with the results,” Manley said. “As we celebrate our successes, we’re very much looking forward to more urban applications in the future.”
