Alterra Mountain Company announced late last year that as part of their 5-year, $555 million capital investment across their 14 North American destinations, Steamboat Ski Resort would see a $15 million replacement of its existing gondola.
The new Doppelmayr-designed gondola will seat (or stand) eight people in the level-walk-in cabins. We'll see an additional 12 cabins added and an increase in speed resulting in a reduction in ride time from 12 minutes to 10 minutes. This should result in a substantially shorter wait to board the new gondola as uphill capacity will increase by 38% from 2,600 to 3,600 people per hour. The impact on guests from freight hauling for mountain food services will all but be eliminated with new efficiencies. The new gondola will be an overhaul of the existing one with new towers, brakes, drives, line equipment, and a top-station bull wheel. Contrary to local folklore, the gondola building is not being moved closer to the mountain. Construction on the new gondola begins immediately upon the close of the ski season with the new gondola expected to open November 2019.
Due to the gondola being out of commission this summer, mountain access will look a bit different. Christie Peak Express will be fitted with bike racks to take riders and their bikes to a couple of new trails constructed specifically to account for the fact that upper Steamboat Bike Park trails will be closed for the entire summer. All upper mountain cross country mountain bike and hiking trails will be open without lift access (in other words, you'll need to hike or bike up). The base area activities and Mountain Coaster will be open this summer. The resort will open earlier than normal with extended hours this summer. Have fun out there!
Don't worry, there are plenty of summer events to keep you occupied if you aren't on the mountain.
If you are still looking for somewhere to call home while you're in Steamboat Springs, look no further.
