Deer Valley Resort has announced plans to build a gondola from its ski lifts to the middle of Main Street in Park City, Utah, . Bob Wheaton, general manager of Deer Valley, said the goal is to create an easy way to move skiers from the mountain to popular spots in the city.
“It was all centered around transportation around the city,” Wheaton . “Trying to be more effective with the bus system we have and interconnected mass transit, not only with Park City but southern Wasatch County.”
Deer Valley is considering two options, . A two-gondola setup would usher riders from the Old Town transit center in Park City to the top of the Lucky Bill ski run, then another gondola—replacing the existing Silver Lake Express lift—would bring them up to Silver Lake Village. The one-gondola plan would usher riders directly between the transit center and Silver Lake Village.
According to Fox 13, the idea initially sprung from city council and city staff. While it’s still in the planning stages, business owners are open to the idea, saying it would increase convenience and exposure to potential customers.
The gondola would also help ease downtown congestion, with fewer cars and city buses on the road. Constant lift service would run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“We can effectively move people through town, not only to ski but also move some of the staff around and provide an opportunity for people up on the mountain to come down to Main Street for breakfast or dinner,” Wheaton told Fox 13.
No time frame or funding plans have been established, but Wheaton is hoping the Federal Transit Authority will cover some of the cost, given that it also supports the bus system in Park City.