Steamboat’s Full Steam Ahead projects have transformed the ski resort. These additions have included a new gondola, a beginner learning center, The Range Food & Drink Hall, a new arrival area, an ice skating rink, and more. This offseason, they’re adding a new high-speed quad that will service an advanced/expert terrain pod, improving their snowmaking, and building a second leg to the Wild Blue Gondola
The first phase of the Wild Blue Gondola opened during the 2022-23 season. This connected the base area to the Greenhorn Ranch Learning Center. This summer, Steamboat is constructing the second stage of the gondola, which connects to the summit.
The final product will be the longest & fastest ten-person gondola in North America. The total distance is 3.16 miles, and riders from the base area to the top of Sunshine Peak in 13 minutes. A cool feature of the gondola is that it will be able to operate as two independent lifts during inclement weather, meaning that the lower section can operate on windier days while the upper section remains closed. Another cool fact is that the highest point of the gondola is 136 feet tall, which is when it crosses Rainbow Saddle.
This week, Steamboat Resort gave a video update on Section II of the Wild Blue Gondola. So far, it looks like they’ve installed the lift towers and top terminal. The second section of the gondola is expected to open during the 2023-24 season.
Image/Video Credits: Steamboat Resort
