Featured Image: Larry Pierce
In the short time since hitting the ski industry scene in 2017, Alterra Mountain Company has garnered 14 ski destinations across North America as well as develop the Ikon Pass–which launched in January of 2018. Going into the pass’ first year, the company is already thinking of next season with plans to completely replace the gondola at Steamboat Ski Resort.
“From day one, Alterra Mountain Company has emphasized our commitment to enhancing the guest experience across our family of 14 North American destinations. We are focused on improving every aspect of a guest’s visit, while preserving each destination’s unique character and traditions,” said David Perry, president and chief operating officer of Alterra Mountain Company, in a recent press release. “We have designated $555 million in capital investment over five years company-wide, and Steamboat’s new gondola fits seamlessly within our plans. We are excited to invest in infrastructure, and proud of the positive impact it will make on the community, our guests and the future of Steamboat.”
What was a 12-minute ride up Mt. Werner, the new Doppelmayr-designed gondola has an increased speed of six meters per second, cutting the ride time to under 10 minutes and an extra 12 level-walk-in cabins added to the line will boost the gondy’s uphill capacity by 38 percent to 3,600 people per hour.
“The new gondola demonstrates Alterra Mountain Company’s continued commitment to Steamboat Ski Resort, coming on the heels of nearly $12 million invested in Timber & Torch, the Taco Beast and other resort improvements for winter 2018-19,” said Rob Perlman, president and chief operating officer for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, in that same press release. “Everyone knows the gondola is the main lift out of the base area, and having a new, high speed, state of the art transportation system will be a noticeable improvement not only in the winter on champagne powder snow mornings, but also during the summer with our popular sunset happy hours.”
Construction is set to begin immediately after the resort closes for the 2018-19 ski season. New drives, breaks, line equipment, top-station bull wheel and towers will be added to support the new gondola, which is expected to be up and running by November 2019.
