Steamboat Resort will be updating its eight-person gondola during the spring and early summer (which will change summer opening day to June 30, 2017). After the resort closes for the 2016/17 winter season in mid-April crews will replace grips, terminal equipment, electronic controls and other infrastructure for the mountain’s main access point.
Along with the upgraded gondola, Steamboat will also be unveling a new Outlaw Mountain Coaster and Maverick Mini-Golf Course, in addition to its already exensive downhill and cross country mountain biking and hiking trails and the Coca Cola Adventure Zone activities and restaurant & retail operations.
“To provide the best experience for our guests this summer we are going to wait to open until Gondola upgrades are complete and work is finished on our new mountain coaster and mini-golf course,” said Rob Perlman, president and chief operating officer for Steamboat Ski Resort & Corporation. “Guests may not notice the changes to the gondola, but extensive work will be put into the lift to enhance mountain access.”
In addition to replacing grips, hangers and terminal equipment, improvements to the gondola include changes to the way freight cars are handled at both lower and upper terminals to reduce guest impact, a new control system and relocation of the system within the lower terminal building and changes to the gondola departure and arrival bays.
“Steamboat is fortunate to have some of the best mechanics and electricians in the business looking after our gondola,” said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations. “These upgrades give us time to look at the big picture for the base area, while also enhancing our current uphill transportation system.”
