Vail Resorts proposes new gondola at Park City Mountain Resort

Dec 5, 2023, 8:00 AM

Quicksilver gondola cabins travel along a cable on a snowy day at Park City Mountain Resort. The proposed Sunrise gondola would be the third gondola at Park City Mountain Resort. (Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)

(Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)

BY MARIAH MAYNES

Digital Content Producer

PARK CITY, Utah — Vail Resorts has announced a proposal for a new gondola at Park City Mountain Resort. Sunrise Gondola would run alongside Red Pine Gondola, according to Park City Mountain Resort’s website.

The gondola is still in the early stages of planning. Additionally, Park City Mountain Resort’s website said the project is still subject to approval. That includes permits from Summit County.

The website read “we’re exploring opportunities to improve flow and circulation in Canyons Village by providing a third option to complement Red Pine Gondola and Orange Bubble Express.”

According to the resort’s website, it will begin at the base of the mountain, next to The Lift and Pendry Hotels. It would take guests to the midway point of the mountain, where many of the Canyons lifts are accessed.

A map depicting the gondola’s route shows it will run next to PCMR’s existing Red Pine Gondola.

Sunrise Gondola

According to Park City Mountain Resort’s website, the new gondola is planned to run 6,500 feet. It will feature 10-passenger gondola cabins. Additionally, heavier cabins would be less impacted by wind delays than Red Pine Gondola currently is.

Park City Mountain Resort’s website said the project “marks a significant improvement to the guest experience.”

Sunrise Gondola’s placement would shelter it from the north. The proposed path would follow the natural terrain of the mountain, rather than crossing large distances at taller heights.

“Park City Mountain is meeting with local government staff, community leaders, and residents to ensure the project’s application complies with applicable requirements and improves the guest experience for all guests, including locals,” read the website.

According to Bruce Carmichael of the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, the Sunrise Gondola project is in its “preliminary stages.” Carmichael could not comment further at the time of publication.

Additionally, Sara Huey, the senior manager of communications at PCMR, said there are no additional details to provide at this time.

Park City Mountain Resort’s website said the gondola would replace Sunrise lift. Should the project move forward, PCMR’s website said that there will be a public engagement period.

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