Why does Europe build more and better lifts than North America?

European resorts spend about 3.5 times more on ski-lift construction than North American companies do. The reason has to do with 

1. ownership structure: European resorts are owned at least in part by local municipalities.
2. seasonal use: European resorts have a busy hiking/climbing season in summer, so lifts produce revenue year-round.
3. public transport: Europe uses lifts as public transport like buses or trains, and lifts are eligible for government subsidies.

As a result, European skiers have access to newer, faster, bigger and better lifts.