Book Early for the Best Pricing and Availability

Steamboat Resort Plans To Build The Longest Gondola In North America

Steamboat Resort Plans To Build The Longest Gondola In North America
9203324777_f29f4fe456_k.jpgSqueaky clean groomers at Steamboat Resort | Photo Credit: Greg Hamilton

Steamboat Resort has announced plans to expand the resort and build what would be the longest, 8 person gondola in North America. Named the Wild Blue Gondola, the proposed lift would feature 8 person cabins and run 3.16 miles from the established base area to the top of the popular, Sunshine Peak. According to a release from Steamboat Resort, "the new 8-Person Gondola would be the longest in North America, surpassing Silver Mountain’s Gondola at 3.1 miles."

Related: How To Ski (Or Ride) Steamboat's Glades

The Gondola would also include a mid-station at the Bashor Bowl learning area for a newly imagined ski school staging area. While the lower section of the gondola route has already received previous approval from the US Forest Service, the upper sections have yet to be approved. If approved, the uphill capacity at northern Colorado's premiere ski resort would increase from 6,000 people an hour to 10,000 people an hour.

Steamboat Master Plan Proposed Improvements:

- 3.16 mile, 8 Person Gondola | Wild Blue Gondola

- 650 new acres of skiable terrain in the Fish Creek Falls, Pioneer Ridge areas

- Sunshine Peak Restaurant

- Snow making, terrain improvements

In conjunction with the new gondola, the resort is hoping to remove the antiquated 2-person, Priest Creek Chairlift and improve the 4 person Sundown Chairlift, which would be upgraded to a "a more efficient and higher capacity chairlift."

Upper Gondola With Proposed Sunshine Peak Restaurant

Steamboat

Lower Gondola With Bashor Bowl Access

Steamboat-2.jpg

In addition to the new gondola and other lift improvements, Steamboat Resort is also in the Environmental Assessment phase of approval for a proposed expansion of 650 acres in the Fish Creek Falls area and Pioneer Ridge areas. The added terrain would make Steamboat Resort the second largest ski area in all of Colorado. Steamboat President, Rob Perlman remains optimistic about the future of Northern Colorado's premiere ski resort thanks to the support of parent company, Alterra Mountain Company. "Alterra recognizes Steamboat’s potential" says Perlman.

Exactly when that potential might be realized is another question but Perlman says they'll continue to work with Alterra, the USFS, and other stakeholders so that when the funding for the projects becomes available, they'll be ready to begin construction in earnest. Other projects included in the Steamboat Resort Master Development Plan include expanded snow making and water reservoir infrastructure along with a new Sunshine Peak Restaurant.

Ski.com will continue to update this story.

Want to book the perfect ski vacation to Steamboat Resort this winter? Get started by filling out a form for a custom quote.

TAGGED: development, gondola, master plan, New snow, aspen ski area, ski industry, snowboard slopestyle, Steamboat Resort

Barclay Idsal

Author

    How Our Free White (Ski) Glove Service Works: 

    Step 1
    Connect With a Mountain Travel Expert

    Reach out to a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert by phone, chat, or our online form. Share details about your group size, interests, and budget and your Expert will begin to craft your dream ski vacation.

    Step 2
    Receive a Trip Proposal 

    Get a curated proposal with personalized suggestions from your Expert via email. Book directly online or request additions or revisions from your Expert until it’s perfect

    Step 3
    Travel with Support

    If you have questions, want to add or modify your reservations or need anything assistance, your Expert is always by your side to help before, during and after your trip. 

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Sign up for exclusive offers, news, updates and more.

    • Discounts
    • Latest News