THE OFFICIAL PRESS AND MEDIA INFO CENTER FOR STEAMBOAT
Gondola Updates
December 5
The Steamboat Gondola is back in action, and just in time for a snow day! Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding as we worked through the issues. And thank you to Doppelmayr for being a great partner and quick to act in solving the problem.
December 4
The Steamboat Gondola will open tomorrow morning (Thursday, December 5) at 8:30 am.
Statement from Mark Bee, Doppelmayr President:
Doppelmayr would like to apologize to the Steamboat community for the interruption in service on the gondola, which was caused by a failure of the main gearbox after only two days of public operation. The backup systems functioned properly and the Steamboat team reacted quickly and appropriately after the gearbox failure. Our technicians and engineers worked around the clock with Steamboat personnel and technical experts from Germany, Austria and Canada, to replace the failed gearbox and associated components. We also took additional steps to improve the overall design and brought in a technical expert to eliminate vibration that contributed to the original failure. We have conducted numerous tests and are happy to report that the gondola will return to service on Thursday. We offer a sincere thanks to Rob Perlman, Dave Hunter and Kurt Castor, and to the Steamboat community for their patience and support. We are confident and proud of the Steamboat gondola and look forward to years of use for skiers and snowboarders.
December 3
During assembly Doppelmayr identified one additional part needed, which is in transit and expected to arrive tomorrow. That adaptor is the last piece of a complex puzzle. Immediately following the assembly completion, the gondola will begin running for two days for testing, alignment and vibration analysis. We anticipate the gondola will be ready for skiers and riders this weekend.
December 2
We are getting closer! All parts are in and being assembled. We anticipate assembly to be completed tomorrow afternoon. Once that happens we will fire up the gondola and take the necessary time for testing, aligning and vibration analysis. We’re hoping you may see the gondola running for testing purposes as early as tomorrow late afternoon. We will continue to run the gondola for observation as needed, and once Doppelmayr and our team are confident the issue is behind us we’ll have skiers and riders back on the lift. We appreciate your patience as we go through this process.
December 1, 2019
The first phase of new parts have been installed. This required very intricate, and very heavy, rigging to get more than 17,000 pounds of gear box into place. The Doppelmayr technical specialist onsite will align, verify and get the new gear box into service. This will likely take all day today and into tomorrow.
The second phase of parts have arrived and the crew will begin to install tonight and tomorrow.
Once all these parts are in place, the Doppelmayr specialist will begin to align the Gondola motors with the new equipment. The next 24 hours will be very busy, very productive and will help us have a better understanding of when we can have the Gondola back in action. Stay tuned for daily updates and thanks for your patience!
November 30
What a challenge yesterday was! I-70 (the main road from Denver to Steamboat) was closed for about 8 hours due to rock slides. But despite road closures, snow storms and everything else- the part we’ve been waiting for arrived in Steamboat late last night. We transported the part to the top terminal of the gondola after it arrived. Now the Doppelmayr expert technical team will begin the process of assembling the part. Meanwhile the Doppelmayr design team in Austria continues to problem solve why this issue happened.
We’re getting closer and will continue to update you as we form a timeline of when the Gondola will be back up and running.
NOVEMBER 29
The new parts have shipped and are scheduled to arrive in Denver today. They’ll be transported by a specialized company and are expected in Steamboat late tonight. We also have a new highspeed drive heading our way- first it is being balanced in Salt Lake City today and then is expected to arrive in Steamboat late tonight. The Doppelmayr technical team is onsite and preparing for these parts to arrive. Once everything has arrived Doppelmayr will begin to reassemble the new parts (we expect this to begin tomorrow). This is extremely technical work and will take time. We’ll continue to update as we get close to having our Gondola back open.
NOVEMBER 27
LATEST GONDOLA UPDATE
The custom replacement parts are now built and Doppelmayr is coordinating the logistics for transport to Denver over the next few days. Doppelmayr technical teams are on site to prepare for the arrival of these parts.
We will continue to provide updates as we have them. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!
NOVEMBER 26
The replacement part we need is currently being custom built specifically for us in Europe. The remaining members of the Doppelmayr mobilization team will arrive in Steamboat tomorrow along with other technical experts from the manufacturers. The Doppelmayr design team continues to look into all possible reasons for this and we continue to work together to find the root cause.
We will continue to update as we know more information. In the meantime, enjoy the fresh snow.
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 25
Late Sunday afternoon the Steamboat Gondola experienced a mechanical malfunction on the drive line to the gear box that requires additional assessment. As we work with Doppelmayr to identify the problem over the next several days, we will be taking precautionary measures and the Gondola will not be running. Thunderhead Express lift will operate while the mechanical issue on the Gondola is being fixed. We will update when more information, including a gondola re-opening date, is available.
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 14
Last week, Steamboat Ski Resort, Doppelmayr, state inspectors from the Colorado Passenger Safety Tramway Board, and the US Forest Service completed the Gondola Acceptance Test. SSRC crews are now running the new machine and familiarizing with it as we make finishing touches in both the upper and lower terminals to prepare for the Gondola Grand Opening on Saturday, November 23.
The resort is opening earlier than ever before on Friday, November 15 with access to 50 acres, 1,100 vertical feet, and 10 trails via Christie Peak Express lift.
UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 29
All of the gondola cabins have been loaded onto the line and a few of them have been unwrapped. Pre-acceptance testing requirements have been completed by Doppelmayr and SSRC teams are in the midst of an acceptance test with the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board Inspector, US Forest Service, and Doppelmayr which will be completed by the end of this week. SSRC crews continue to make finishing touches on the upper and lower terminals in preparation for Opening Day on November 23.
UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 14
All communication and fiber lines have been tensioned along with assembly of suspensions and grips. All gondola cabins have been delivered to the upper terminal and 83 of them, still wrapped, have been installed inside the parking barn.This week, we will begin adding cabins to the line and all cabins should be on the line by next week to begin state testing scheduled to begin on Oct. 21.This week, work will also begin on terminal alignment in both the upper and lower terminals.
Steamboat Resort is officially closed for the fall season. Crews will continue working towards completion of the gondola project scheduled to debut on the Resort’s Opening Day scheduled for November 23.
UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 1
Last week, communication lines and fiber lines were installed along with the installation and splicing of the haul rope. This week, the remaining cabins are expected to be delivered, hangers and grip assembly will take place, electrical work will be done on the towers, and the cabin guide rail will be installed in the lower terminal.
Trails that were closed last week during the haul rope installation have been reopened to the public but we ask that guests continue to obey all closures and detours.
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 25
A big week for the Steamboat Gondola. Our mountain crews, along with the team from Doppelmayr worked over the weekend to pull/install fiber and communication lines on the new gondola line. Earlier this week, teams began to pull and install the haul rope. This is a technical job with tons of logistics to manage between the top terminal and bottom terminal of the gondola. The first section of haul rope was attached to the line and fed through the bottom terminal of the gondola yesterday afternoon. Crews will continue to load the line and tomorrow are scheduled to splice the new haul rope.
New cabins continue to arrive daily and once the haul rope is completely loaded and tested, Gondola cabins will be staged along the line for attachment. While the haul rope work continues guests may experience impacts. All the trails (hiking and biking) that cross under the gondola are closed at this time to ensure safety of our guests. Please obey all closures.
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 19
Over the past few weeks, teams have been focused on various deliveries of large equipment including the first shipments of gondola cabins and the bullwheel. This week, haul rope installation will begin which will result in the south area of the base area to be closed to all pedestrians including the plaza pavers from the Kids’ Vacation Center to the Steamboat Stage under the gondola line. Closures are expected to last for the next week. We are also expecting the second delivery of the new gondola cabins this week and work will continue on the Thunderhead building.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday until September 22. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building remains closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of and obey any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 2
Last week, the new drive equipment, upper bullwheel, back-up power gensets, new hangers, suspension, and the first shipment of gondola cabins arrived. The upper bullwheel and drive were delivered to the upper terminal and placed inside using large cranes to prepare for installation this week. Work continued on the new electrical system to power the gondola and the new gensets were placed outside the terminal building. 48 gondola cabins are on site and the remaining cabins will be delivered during the month of September.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 26
Over the past few weeks, work has been focused on internal work including setting the motors and finishing the parking system in the upper terminal. This week, modifications were made to the terminals to prepare for installation of the haul rope and grouting work was completed on tower foundations. Next week, the bullwheel and gensets will be delivered and installed. We are also anticipating the delivery of the new gondola cabins over the next few weeks.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 26
Last week, most of the remaining new gondola towers were installed using a helicopter. This week, the new haul rope arrived and will be stored until it is time for installation. Next week the final towers, numbers 8 and 17, will be installed using a crane. Drive equipment will be installed in the drive shaft and work will be done on the parking system in the upper terminal.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 15
Last week, towers 3, 6, 12-15 are were hung using a crane. This week concrete tower bases and towers will be put in place and hung using a helicopter. Helicopter activity in the mountain area is scheduled for Monday, July 15 and Friday, July 19. During helicopter operations and while backfilling of foundations is taking place, Heaveny Daze will be closed to all footand delayed opening of Christie Peak Express lift may occur.Guests may also experience temporary closures and detours in the Steamboat Bike Park and along the Yoohoo service road.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 8
Last week, excavation and concrete work for tower bases continued and towers numbered 2, 4, and 5 were hung. This week, towers 3, 6, 12-15 are scheduled to be hung. Guests around the base area or in the Steamboat Bike Park may experience temporary detours and closures while the towers are being hung.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 1
Last week, excavation work as completed for upper mountain towers located on Heavenly Daze. This week, tower numbers 2 through 5 will be installed near the base of the mountain using a crane. Guests around the base area may experience temporary detours and closures while the towers are being hung.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open for daily operations. Upper mountain multi-use trails will continue to be accessible but please be reminded that the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 24
With moist weather patterns over the last week, the gondola project was focused on both upper and lower internal terminals. Additionally, concrete was poured for lower mountain towers and upper mountain towers were located and staked. This week, the focus will be on excavating new foundations for new upper mountain tower foundations and continuing to assemble the new towers.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open for daily operations. Upper mountain multi-use trails will continue to be accessible but please be reminded that the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests obey all posted closures around the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 17
Construction continues on the upper mountain towers and around the Thunderhead building. This week we will begin working on a new maze and queuing area in the base area terminal, excavation of new tower foundations, and pouring concrete for towers on the lower mountain. The first of the new gondola towers will be hung with a crane just outside the lower mountain terminal. The new gondola towers will continue to be assembled on the mountain and placed into a staging area until installation time.
Daily operations began on June 14 and the Steamboat Bike Park is now open. Upper mountain multi-use trails will continue to be accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. Please respect all posted closures around the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 10
The gondola project continued last week with the assembly of new towers in a lot adjacent to Ski Time Square. Work also continued at the upper gondola terminal. This week, the project will focus on prepping the areas around the outside of the thunderhead building for part installation and foundation excavation of upper mountain towers. The resort will open for daily operations including the Steamboat Bike Park on June 14. Please respect all posted closures around the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 3
Last week, the remaining gondola towers were removed with a helicopter and the old gondola has officially been completely disassembled. This week, the project will shift focus to new gondola installation with the assembly of new towers and crossarms and new parking rails at both upper and lower terminals. Concrete work will begin this week as tower foundations are prepped for installation of new towers. Guests walking around the base area during the week can expect to see some closures due to concrete truck activity.
Summer operations will continue on Saturday and Sunday with the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick Mini Golf, Kilimanjaro Climbing Wall, and Stagecoach Bounce House. The opening of Christie Peak Express lift has been postponed until further notice as trails are drying out. We ask that guests obey any construction closures at the base area.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 27
With inclement weather patterns last week, the gondola project was focused on both the upper and lower interior terminals. Additionally, work was done to prep the lower mountain foundations for new tower installation. This week, the upper mountain towers will be removed with a helicopter beginning mid-week. Once these towers have been removed, the entire old gondola will have been removed. Next, the new towers will be assembled adjacent to the base area. Guests can expect to see no impact around the base area this week as most of the work will be on the upper mountain.
Summer operations began last weekend with the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick Mini Golf, Kilimanjaro Climbing Wall, and Stagecoach Bounce House. The opening of Christie Peak Express lift has been postponed to allow for trails to dry out following recent precipitation.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 20
Last week the gondola project included work on the upper mountain tower foundations and continued removal of lower mountain towers. This week, remodel work begins in the upper mountain terminal and helicopter removal of upper mountain towers is expected to start at the end of next week.
Applications are now available for donated gondola cabins. Nonprofit organizations wishing to apply must be a 501(c)(3) and be located in Routt County. They must also be able to transport the gondola cabin if selected. Please apply steamboat.com/gondolarequest by May 23 to be considered.
Summer operations begin Memorial Day weekend with the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick Mini Golf, Kilimanjaro Climbing Wall, and Stagecoach Bounce House.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 13
The lower mountain towers were removed last week along with gear boxes and motors. The gondola project continues this week with prepping the lower mountain tower foundations and preparing for removal of the towers on the upper mountain via helicopter beginning next week at the earliest.
Soon we will announce the donation application process for a select number of gondola cabins to be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. One this plan is finalized, it will be announced in the local paper.
For your safety, we continue to strongly discourage any activity on the mountain until we open for summer operations Memorial Day weekend.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 6
The focus of the gondola project this week will be on removal of the lower mountain gondola towers with the use of a crane operated out of the base area. The gondola towers on the upper mountain will be removed by helicopter and that is expected to take place in the end of May.
The haul rope was completely removed last week after all of the gondola cabins were removed from the line and placed in a staging area in the Meadows Parking lot. Most of the cabins will be sent to be refurbished and a select few cabins will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. The plan for donation applications is still being finalized and will be announced on this site and the local newspaper in the coming weeks.
Summer operations begin Memorial Day weekend and until then, we strongly discourage on mountain activity as there will be a lot of construction activity in the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 29
Construction on the gondola continues this week with removal of the haul rope. Once the haul rope removal is complete, work will begin on the on the lower mountain towers.
All of the gondola cabins have been removed from the line and placed in a staging area. Most of the cabins will be refurbished for use at other resorts around the world. A select few cabins will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. Details for non-profit donation applications are still being finalized and will be announced on this site and the local newspaper in the coming weeks.
You’ll continue to see a lot of construction activity in the base area and on the mountain. For your safety, we strongly discourage on mountain activity.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 23
Crews are moving forward prepping for construction on the gondola. On the mountain we continue to plow roads and prep staging areas. In the base area, we have removed all the previous cabins from the line and relocated them to a holding spot. Most of the cabins will be refurbished for use at other resorts around the world. A select few cabins will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. Details are still being worked out, stay tuned and we will update here when we have more information on cabins.
Next, crews are prepping for haul rope removal.
You’ll continue to see a lot of construction activity in the base area and on the mountain. For your safety, we strongly discourage on mountain activity.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 17
Now that the winter season has come to an end, work on the Gondola begins.Starting April 14 and continuing for approximately two weeks, we will be plowing mountain access roads and other areas for staging of construction equipment. Heavy machinery will be on the mountain in a variety of locations at various times throughout the day. For your safety, uphill access from the base area and from the bottom of Thunderhead lift is strongly discouraged.
After mountain access and staging areas are prepped, work will begin to remove the haul rope and gondola cabins from the line and relocate the cabins until they are sold for refurbishment and reuse by ski resorts around the world. A select number of gondola cabins may remain in the Valley to be given to SSRC partners for fundraising purposes. rich-text
The Steamboat Gondola is back in action, and just in time for a snow day! Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding as we worked through the issues. And thank you to Doppelmayr for being a great partner and quick to act in solving the problem.
December 4
The Steamboat Gondola will open tomorrow morning (Thursday, December 5) at 8:30 am.
Statement from Mark Bee, Doppelmayr President:
Doppelmayr would like to apologize to the Steamboat community for the interruption in service on the gondola, which was caused by a failure of the main gearbox after only two days of public operation. The backup systems functioned properly and the Steamboat team reacted quickly and appropriately after the gearbox failure. Our technicians and engineers worked around the clock with Steamboat personnel and technical experts from Germany, Austria and Canada, to replace the failed gearbox and associated components. We also took additional steps to improve the overall design and brought in a technical expert to eliminate vibration that contributed to the original failure. We have conducted numerous tests and are happy to report that the gondola will return to service on Thursday. We offer a sincere thanks to Rob Perlman, Dave Hunter and Kurt Castor, and to the Steamboat community for their patience and support. We are confident and proud of the Steamboat gondola and look forward to years of use for skiers and snowboarders.
December 3
During assembly Doppelmayr identified one additional part needed, which is in transit and expected to arrive tomorrow. That adaptor is the last piece of a complex puzzle. Immediately following the assembly completion, the gondola will begin running for two days for testing, alignment and vibration analysis. We anticipate the gondola will be ready for skiers and riders this weekend.
December 2
We are getting closer! All parts are in and being assembled. We anticipate assembly to be completed tomorrow afternoon. Once that happens we will fire up the gondola and take the necessary time for testing, aligning and vibration analysis. We’re hoping you may see the gondola running for testing purposes as early as tomorrow late afternoon. We will continue to run the gondola for observation as needed, and once Doppelmayr and our team are confident the issue is behind us we’ll have skiers and riders back on the lift. We appreciate your patience as we go through this process.
December 1, 2019
The first phase of new parts have been installed. This required very intricate, and very heavy, rigging to get more than 17,000 pounds of gear box into place. The Doppelmayr technical specialist onsite will align, verify and get the new gear box into service. This will likely take all day today and into tomorrow.
The second phase of parts have arrived and the crew will begin to install tonight and tomorrow.
Once all these parts are in place, the Doppelmayr specialist will begin to align the Gondola motors with the new equipment. The next 24 hours will be very busy, very productive and will help us have a better understanding of when we can have the Gondola back in action. Stay tuned for daily updates and thanks for your patience!
November 30
What a challenge yesterday was! I-70 (the main road from Denver to Steamboat) was closed for about 8 hours due to rock slides. But despite road closures, snow storms and everything else- the part we’ve been waiting for arrived in Steamboat late last night. We transported the part to the top terminal of the gondola after it arrived. Now the Doppelmayr expert technical team will begin the process of assembling the part. Meanwhile the Doppelmayr design team in Austria continues to problem solve why this issue happened.
We’re getting closer and will continue to update you as we form a timeline of when the Gondola will be back up and running.
NOVEMBER 29
The new parts have shipped and are scheduled to arrive in Denver today. They’ll be transported by a specialized company and are expected in Steamboat late tonight. We also have a new highspeed drive heading our way- first it is being balanced in Salt Lake City today and then is expected to arrive in Steamboat late tonight. The Doppelmayr technical team is onsite and preparing for these parts to arrive. Once everything has arrived Doppelmayr will begin to reassemble the new parts (we expect this to begin tomorrow). This is extremely technical work and will take time. We’ll continue to update as we get close to having our Gondola back open.
NOVEMBER 27
LATEST GONDOLA UPDATE
The custom replacement parts are now built and Doppelmayr is coordinating the logistics for transport to Denver over the next few days. Doppelmayr technical teams are on site to prepare for the arrival of these parts.
We will continue to provide updates as we have them. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!
NOVEMBER 26
The replacement part we need is currently being custom built specifically for us in Europe. The remaining members of the Doppelmayr mobilization team will arrive in Steamboat tomorrow along with other technical experts from the manufacturers. The Doppelmayr design team continues to look into all possible reasons for this and we continue to work together to find the root cause.
We will continue to update as we know more information. In the meantime, enjoy the fresh snow.
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 25
Late Sunday afternoon the Steamboat Gondola experienced a mechanical malfunction on the drive line to the gear box that requires additional assessment. As we work with Doppelmayr to identify the problem over the next several days, we will be taking precautionary measures and the Gondola will not be running. Thunderhead Express lift will operate while the mechanical issue on the Gondola is being fixed. We will update when more information, including a gondola re-opening date, is available.
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 14
Last week, Steamboat Ski Resort, Doppelmayr, state inspectors from the Colorado Passenger Safety Tramway Board, and the US Forest Service completed the Gondola Acceptance Test. SSRC crews are now running the new machine and familiarizing with it as we make finishing touches in both the upper and lower terminals to prepare for the Gondola Grand Opening on Saturday, November 23.
The resort is opening earlier than ever before on Friday, November 15 with access to 50 acres, 1,100 vertical feet, and 10 trails via Christie Peak Express lift.
UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 29
All of the gondola cabins have been loaded onto the line and a few of them have been unwrapped. Pre-acceptance testing requirements have been completed by Doppelmayr and SSRC teams are in the midst of an acceptance test with the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board Inspector, US Forest Service, and Doppelmayr which will be completed by the end of this week. SSRC crews continue to make finishing touches on the upper and lower terminals in preparation for Opening Day on November 23.
UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 14
All communication and fiber lines have been tensioned along with assembly of suspensions and grips. All gondola cabins have been delivered to the upper terminal and 83 of them, still wrapped, have been installed inside the parking barn.This week, we will begin adding cabins to the line and all cabins should be on the line by next week to begin state testing scheduled to begin on Oct. 21.This week, work will also begin on terminal alignment in both the upper and lower terminals.
Steamboat Resort is officially closed for the fall season. Crews will continue working towards completion of the gondola project scheduled to debut on the Resort’s Opening Day scheduled for November 23.
UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 1
Last week, communication lines and fiber lines were installed along with the installation and splicing of the haul rope. This week, the remaining cabins are expected to be delivered, hangers and grip assembly will take place, electrical work will be done on the towers, and the cabin guide rail will be installed in the lower terminal.
Trails that were closed last week during the haul rope installation have been reopened to the public but we ask that guests continue to obey all closures and detours.
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 25
A big week for the Steamboat Gondola. Our mountain crews, along with the team from Doppelmayr worked over the weekend to pull/install fiber and communication lines on the new gondola line. Earlier this week, teams began to pull and install the haul rope. This is a technical job with tons of logistics to manage between the top terminal and bottom terminal of the gondola. The first section of haul rope was attached to the line and fed through the bottom terminal of the gondola yesterday afternoon. Crews will continue to load the line and tomorrow are scheduled to splice the new haul rope.
New cabins continue to arrive daily and once the haul rope is completely loaded and tested, Gondola cabins will be staged along the line for attachment. While the haul rope work continues guests may experience impacts. All the trails (hiking and biking) that cross under the gondola are closed at this time to ensure safety of our guests. Please obey all closures.
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 19
Over the past few weeks, teams have been focused on various deliveries of large equipment including the first shipments of gondola cabins and the bullwheel. This week, haul rope installation will begin which will result in the south area of the base area to be closed to all pedestrians including the plaza pavers from the Kids’ Vacation Center to the Steamboat Stage under the gondola line. Closures are expected to last for the next week. We are also expecting the second delivery of the new gondola cabins this week and work will continue on the Thunderhead building.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday until September 22. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building remains closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of and obey any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 2
Last week, the new drive equipment, upper bullwheel, back-up power gensets, new hangers, suspension, and the first shipment of gondola cabins arrived. The upper bullwheel and drive were delivered to the upper terminal and placed inside using large cranes to prepare for installation this week. Work continued on the new electrical system to power the gondola and the new gensets were placed outside the terminal building. 48 gondola cabins are on site and the remaining cabins will be delivered during the month of September.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 26
Over the past few weeks, work has been focused on internal work including setting the motors and finishing the parking system in the upper terminal. This week, modifications were made to the terminals to prepare for installation of the haul rope and grouting work was completed on tower foundations. Next week, the bullwheel and gensets will be delivered and installed. We are also anticipating the delivery of the new gondola cabins over the next few weeks.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 26
Last week, most of the remaining new gondola towers were installed using a helicopter. This week, the new haul rope arrived and will be stored until it is time for installation. Next week the final towers, numbers 8 and 17, will be installed using a crane. Drive equipment will be installed in the drive shaft and work will be done on the parking system in the upper terminal.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests please be aware of any detours or closures due to construction.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 15
Last week, towers 3, 6, 12-15 are were hung using a crane. This week concrete tower bases and towers will be put in place and hung using a helicopter. Helicopter activity in the mountain area is scheduled for Monday, July 15 and Friday, July 19. During helicopter operations and while backfilling of foundations is taking place, Heaveny Daze will be closed to all footand delayed opening of Christie Peak Express lift may occur.Guests may also experience temporary closures and detours in the Steamboat Bike Park and along the Yoohoo service road.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 8
Last week, excavation and concrete work for tower bases continued and towers numbered 2, 4, and 5 were hung. This week, towers 3, 6, 12-15 are scheduled to be hung. Guests around the base area or in the Steamboat Bike Park may experience temporary detours and closures while the towers are being hung.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Upper mountain multi-use trails are accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 1
Last week, excavation work as completed for upper mountain towers located on Heavenly Daze. This week, tower numbers 2 through 5 will be installed near the base of the mountain using a crane. Guests around the base area may experience temporary detours and closures while the towers are being hung.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open for daily operations. Upper mountain multi-use trails will continue to be accessible but please be reminded that the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 24
With moist weather patterns over the last week, the gondola project was focused on both upper and lower internal terminals. Additionally, concrete was poured for lower mountain towers and upper mountain towers were located and staked. This week, the focus will be on excavating new foundations for new upper mountain tower foundations and continuing to assemble the new towers.
The mountain, including the Steamboat Bike Park, Land Up activities, and Christie Peak express lift, are open for daily operations. Upper mountain multi-use trails will continue to be accessible but please be reminded that the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. We ask that guests obey all posted closures around the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 17
Construction continues on the upper mountain towers and around the Thunderhead building. This week we will begin working on a new maze and queuing area in the base area terminal, excavation of new tower foundations, and pouring concrete for towers on the lower mountain. The first of the new gondola towers will be hung with a crane just outside the lower mountain terminal. The new gondola towers will continue to be assembled on the mountain and placed into a staging area until installation time.
Daily operations began on June 14 and the Steamboat Bike Park is now open. Upper mountain multi-use trails will continue to be accessible but the Thunderhead building is closed to the public. This includes bathrooms and water. All guests are encouraged to fill up water bottles at the base area before heading up the mountain. Please respect all posted closures around the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 10
The gondola project continued last week with the assembly of new towers in a lot adjacent to Ski Time Square. Work also continued at the upper gondola terminal. This week, the project will focus on prepping the areas around the outside of the thunderhead building for part installation and foundation excavation of upper mountain towers. The resort will open for daily operations including the Steamboat Bike Park on June 14. Please respect all posted closures around the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 3
Last week, the remaining gondola towers were removed with a helicopter and the old gondola has officially been completely disassembled. This week, the project will shift focus to new gondola installation with the assembly of new towers and crossarms and new parking rails at both upper and lower terminals. Concrete work will begin this week as tower foundations are prepped for installation of new towers. Guests walking around the base area during the week can expect to see some closures due to concrete truck activity.
Summer operations will continue on Saturday and Sunday with the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick Mini Golf, Kilimanjaro Climbing Wall, and Stagecoach Bounce House. The opening of Christie Peak Express lift has been postponed until further notice as trails are drying out. We ask that guests obey any construction closures at the base area.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 27
With inclement weather patterns last week, the gondola project was focused on both the upper and lower interior terminals. Additionally, work was done to prep the lower mountain foundations for new tower installation. This week, the upper mountain towers will be removed with a helicopter beginning mid-week. Once these towers have been removed, the entire old gondola will have been removed. Next, the new towers will be assembled adjacent to the base area. Guests can expect to see no impact around the base area this week as most of the work will be on the upper mountain.
Summer operations began last weekend with the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick Mini Golf, Kilimanjaro Climbing Wall, and Stagecoach Bounce House. The opening of Christie Peak Express lift has been postponed to allow for trails to dry out following recent precipitation.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 20
Last week the gondola project included work on the upper mountain tower foundations and continued removal of lower mountain towers. This week, remodel work begins in the upper mountain terminal and helicopter removal of upper mountain towers is expected to start at the end of next week.
Applications are now available for donated gondola cabins. Nonprofit organizations wishing to apply must be a 501(c)(3) and be located in Routt County. They must also be able to transport the gondola cabin if selected. Please apply steamboat.com/gondolarequest by May 23 to be considered.
Summer operations begin Memorial Day weekend with the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick Mini Golf, Kilimanjaro Climbing Wall, and Stagecoach Bounce House.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 13
The lower mountain towers were removed last week along with gear boxes and motors. The gondola project continues this week with prepping the lower mountain tower foundations and preparing for removal of the towers on the upper mountain via helicopter beginning next week at the earliest.
Soon we will announce the donation application process for a select number of gondola cabins to be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. One this plan is finalized, it will be announced in the local paper.
For your safety, we continue to strongly discourage any activity on the mountain until we open for summer operations Memorial Day weekend.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 6
The focus of the gondola project this week will be on removal of the lower mountain gondola towers with the use of a crane operated out of the base area. The gondola towers on the upper mountain will be removed by helicopter and that is expected to take place in the end of May.
The haul rope was completely removed last week after all of the gondola cabins were removed from the line and placed in a staging area in the Meadows Parking lot. Most of the cabins will be sent to be refurbished and a select few cabins will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. The plan for donation applications is still being finalized and will be announced on this site and the local newspaper in the coming weeks.
Summer operations begin Memorial Day weekend and until then, we strongly discourage on mountain activity as there will be a lot of construction activity in the base area and on the mountain.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 29
Construction on the gondola continues this week with removal of the haul rope. Once the haul rope removal is complete, work will begin on the on the lower mountain towers.
All of the gondola cabins have been removed from the line and placed in a staging area. Most of the cabins will be refurbished for use at other resorts around the world. A select few cabins will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. Details for non-profit donation applications are still being finalized and will be announced on this site and the local newspaper in the coming weeks.
You’ll continue to see a lot of construction activity in the base area and on the mountain. For your safety, we strongly discourage on mountain activity.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 23
Crews are moving forward prepping for construction on the gondola. On the mountain we continue to plow roads and prep staging areas. In the base area, we have removed all the previous cabins from the line and relocated them to a holding spot. Most of the cabins will be refurbished for use at other resorts around the world. A select few cabins will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for fundraising efforts. Details are still being worked out, stay tuned and we will update here when we have more information on cabins.
Next, crews are prepping for haul rope removal.
You’ll continue to see a lot of construction activity in the base area and on the mountain. For your safety, we strongly discourage on mountain activity.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 17
Now that the winter season has come to an end, work on the Gondola begins.Starting April 14 and continuing for approximately two weeks, we will be plowing mountain access roads and other areas for staging of construction equipment. Heavy machinery will be on the mountain in a variety of locations at various times throughout the day. For your safety, uphill access from the base area and from the bottom of Thunderhead lift is strongly discouraged.
After mountain access and staging areas are prepped, work will begin to remove the haul rope and gondola cabins from the line and relocate the cabins until they are sold for refurbishment and reuse by ski resorts around the world. A select number of gondola cabins may remain in the Valley to be given to SSRC partners for fundraising purposes. rich-text